Morgan Schneiderlin delighted with win over Liverpool and admits dressing room row sparked performance
Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted that he will treasure the Red Devils’ win over Liverpool for a long time as it was important for the club and fans.
United defeated their arch rivals 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of a strike from captain Wayne Rooney – who has now netted five goals since the start of 2016.
It was a huge win for the side after beginning the year on a positive, with no losses so far for manager Louis van Gaal. And Schneiderlin has been an important part of that run with the anchorman having a great record when starting for the side. The 24 year-old has been strong in the middle of the park, while displaying his passing skills and physicality at set pieces.
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And speaking on the win which has moved United within touching distance of the Champions League spots, the French international said it was important for the club to show they can win big games at a tough ground.
"He told MUTV, as reported by manutd.com: “Anfield is always a nice atmosphere, especially in a derby match. We could feel it was a special moment and we are very happy to finish with the win today.“It was the most important thing to give the win to our fans and the football club. Hopefully now we can carry on.”"
In the first half of the game it was all Liverpool with the home side having plenty of chances to open the scoring. However, it was David De Gea who was in the form of his life yet again who kept the Reds out.
But after the first half, United improved and Schneiderlin admitted that it took a dressing room shout-off to get the players on the task in hand.
"“In the first half, we didn’t win enough second balls. Sometimes we won the first ball but not the second ball,” the Frenchman said.“When we came into the dressing room after the first half, there was some screaming and shouting but of course that is normal because in a derby you cannot lose the battle.“Liverpool are a very high pressing team and we knew if we kept a clean sheet we would have a chance to win the game.“In the second half we did what we had to do. We scored one goal, stayed strong and, at the end, it is three points which is amazing.”"
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De Gea was handed the Man of the Match award for his display in goal for United. The Spaniard kept out Jordan Henderson and Emre Can with good saves and again showed why United need him at the club, something Schneiderlin echoed in his comments.
"“David is a very important player in our squad,” said the midfielder. “We are very happy to have him and happy that he didn’t go last summer. He is fully committed to this football club.“When you have a player like this in goal, it’s good for us because we know we are not going to concede many goals and he is going to make some saves. Well done to him.”"
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At the other end it was Rooney who proved to be the difference with a great finish in the 78th minute of the game. The 30 year-old controlled his volley well to fire past Simon Mignolet after Marouane Fellaini hit the bar- a strike even he admitted he will always remember.
And now finding some form in front of goal, Schneiderlin added that Rooney will be important if United are to win trophies.
"He added on the England international: “Wayne is still the main figure at the club, he’s the one guy who has scored so many goals in his career and he will keep doing it. Sometimes you have spells where you don’t score but he has kept the smile on his face and trained hard.“You saw his two goals against Newcastle were very good and today he scored another amazing goal. We need him in the second half of the season if we are to achieve something special.”"