Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has admitted it feels “marvellous” to have done the league double over Liverpool this season.

The bitter rivals squared off at Anfield on Sunday as the Reds looked for revenge following a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford back in September.

United captain Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game on Sunday for his fifth goal in four games to leave Van Gaal optimistic about securing automatic Champions League football again next season.

The Dutchman told reporters: “We know Wayne Rooney has played for Everton and now plays for United so he wants to score against Liverpool, it means a lot for him.

“We have made a good start in 2016, to beat Liverpool for the second time in a row is it marvellous, it gives a big boost for the players and the fans so I hope it shall continue with winning.

“That is why we are here, to win our games and at end of the season to be in the first three positions of the league.”

United, who are two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, are 1.83 to go on and claim a top-four finish this season.

Next up for the Red Devils is a home Premier League clash against Southampton who have found some form with back-to-back wins against Watford and West Brom.

Saints are 4.75 to make it three wins on the spin, with United 1.80 and the draw is 3.50.