Rashford double helps United beat Liverpool 2-1 in EPL

Posted March 10, 2018 6:00 am

By STEVE DOUGLAS

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, left, and Romelu Lukaku celebrate after scoring their sides second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Saturday, March 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) The Associated Press

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Marcus Rashford scored twice in the first 24 minutes of his first start of 2018 before Manchester United held on for a 2-1 win over fierce rival Liverpool to strengthen its second place in the Premier League on Saturday.

In a typically frenetic match between England's two biggest teams historically, Liverpool failed to handle United's aggressive and direct start as two long balls forward resulted in goals from the 20-year-old Rashford in the 14th and 24th minutes.

Lackluster in the first half, Liverpool improved and reduced the deficit through an own-goal by Eric Bailly but couldn't manage an equalizer, slipping five points behind United in the race for second place behind Manchester City.

Having also beaten Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford two weeks ago, United looks increasingly assured of a Champions League qualifying spot through a top-four finish. Jose Mourinho's side is 12 points clear of fifth-place Chelsea, which played later Saturday.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Saturday, March 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) The Associated Press

Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho, left, and Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp react on the sidelines during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Saturday, March 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) The Associated Press

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