Liverpool 2, Manchester United 0: First Thoughts

Liverpool 2: Sturridge (pen) 20', Firmino 73'
Manchester United 0:

• Pregame Thoughts: It doesn't get much bigger than this. Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield for a European Night™. Liverpool are coming out with a strong attacking line-up: Sturridge up top, with Lallana, Firmino, and Coutinho all in support in the attacking midfield band. That's a lot of pressing and a lot of potential firepower tonight. It would be nice to see Coutinho show up against United like he customarily does against City, and I'd love to see Sturridge get back into the groove and score some big, big goals tonight. 
  
  
• A rousing edition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" completely drowning out the Europa League anthem (which no one recognizes anyway, even if we probably should at this point). 
  
  
• Depay gets free and whips in a dangerous cross which finds Rashford free in the box within literally the first 15 seconds. Nothing comes of it, but that was a freebie. 
  
  
• So, we were warned about the ref prior to the match, and Henderson ignores warnings and comes in with a high boot and goes into the book in the second minute. Could be a long night at this rate...
  
  
• ****PENALTY**** Firmino puts a lovely little through ball into Clyne and Depay takes him down. Clear penalty.
  
  
• ****GOAL!**** Sturridge steps up and calmly slots it home, despite de Gea guessing correctly and getting a fingertip to it. 
  
  
• Liverpool's tails are up after the goal, and they immediately win the first corner of the night.
  
  
• De Gea comes up big (shocker) a few minutes later, as he makes a great effort to deny Coutinho from close range. And then he makes another save shortly thereafter. Hey Real Madrid, you still want de Gea, right? RIGHT?! 
  
  
• Sturridge gets through on goal after a defensive mistake, and yet again de Gea saves the left-footed effort, which, quite frankly, you expect Sturridge to bury. 
  
  
• As halftime approaches, de Gea makes yet another point blank save. To be fair, Lallana's shot was straight at him, but Liverpool could easily be up 3-0 right now. So. Business as usual 'round these parts. 
  
  
• Half-time: Zero stoppage time, which is always weird. The half was simply one of the best by Liverpool this season, and we'll likely regret not being further in front. Liverpool had nearly 70% of the possession and 5 shots on target to United's big, fat goose egg. De Gea, as is his MO, is having a worldie against us. Coutinho is looking lively, doing magician things. Sturridge looked sharp in and around the box. And we looked the better team, through and through. Our one weak spot so far has been Sahko, who has had a few nervy (and awkward) moments at the back. Come on, Mamadou! We know you're better than that! And for those keeping score at home, 4 yellows have been issued so far; Henderson and Lovren are on yellows for Liverpool, and Depay and Rashford are in the book for United.
  
  
• Michael Carrick is on for Rashford to start the second half, which, regrettably, seems like a good call. 
  
  
• Coutinho becomes the fifth name in the book, as he's shown a yellow for simulation just outside the box. Coutinho's sly smile shows that it was probably a good call. 
  
  
• Mignolet gets in on the action, making a comfortable first save of the night from a speculative shot from Schneiderlin. 
  
  
• Manchester United look like a different and much more dangerous team to start the second half. 
  
  
• Great save number 463 from de Gea tonight, denying a powerful Unicorn curler. 
  
  
• Liverpool need to make an adjustment, because I don't know how much longer they can hold with this pressure from United. 
  
  
• Wee Joe coming on for Daniel Sturridge. This midfield certainly could use some parental supervision.
  
• Clyne unleashes a wicked swerving shot from outside the box. De Gea saves it, of course, but still. 
  
  
• Henderson finally beats De Gea...but narrowly misses the top corner with his side-footed effort. However, Liverpool are looking much better with Allen in. In Klopp we trust! 
  
  
• ****GOAL!!**** Lallana tees up Firmino and Liverpool finally have their second! It would be a great night if the score holds.

  
  
• Origi on for Firmino. Great night, Bobby. 
  
  
• Full Time: Despite the best efforts of David de Gea, Liverpool will go to Old Trafford with the upper hand. Two goals to the good, and an all important clean sheet. Can't really ask for much more than that.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.