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Man Utd-Liverpool talking points... Mamadou Sakho impresses, United break record

Philippe Coutinho celebrates
Image: Philippe Coutinho's equaliser sent Liverpool through to the next round of the Europa League

As Manchester United bow out of Europe at the hands of Liverpool, we take a look at four talking points from Old Trafford.

Anthony Martial's first-half penalty put United within a goal of Liverpool on aggregate, but Philippe Coutinho's superb leveller put Liverpool 3-1 ahead on aggregate.

That's how it ended, and Liverpool are now in the hat for the quarter-final draw on Friday.

Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool (Agg: 1-3)
Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool (Agg: 1-3)

Liverpool progressed to the last eight of the Europa League after a 1-1 draw at rivals Man Utd

Exciting youngsters

Louis van Gaal opted to start with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard for Thursday's crunch game, and the three youngsters looked impressive in a match that had plenty of attacking intent.

They often linked up with some delightful play, and Frenchman Martial was a menace down the wing, involved in the majority of the home side's attacks. 

Anthony Martial scores from the penalty spot
Image: Anthony Martial scores from the penalty spot at Old Trafford

With Wayne Rooney out for the next few weeks and some big games coming up - including Sunday's Manchester derby, live on Sky Sports - Red Devils fans can take some positives from these three youngsters for this season and beyond.

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Solid Sakho

Not always one to come in for praise, Mamadou Sakho was a rock in defence for Liverpool. He was constantly sniffing out the ball in the danger areas and made a number of vital blocks from chances that at times came thick and fast from United.

In total, he made ten clearances in 90 minutes for his side - the rest of the team 11 between them - and also had the highest pass completion rate of 89.4% from the starting side. While Rashford was bright, Sakho was constantly on his tail and kept him in check during the first half.

Mamadou Sakho was in fine form for Liverpool on Thursday night
Image: Mamadou Sakho was in fine form for Liverpool on Thursday night

He constantly found himself in the right areas, but needs to find the same consistency on a regular basis.

Klopp avoids sour Old Trafford bow

Jurgen Klopp is the first Liverpool manager since Graeme Souness in October 1991 to avoid defeat in his first game at Old Trafford as Reds boss.

Roy Evans, Gerard Houllier, Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers all failed before Klopp, whose record against Louis van Gaal now reads W3, D1, L2.

Jurgen Klopp
Image: Jurgen Klopp is the first Liverpool manager since Graeme Souness to avoid defeat in his first game at Old Trafford as Reds boss

Klopp has now reached the last eight of European competition as a manager for the third time in four seasons, and with a favourable draw, this could be Liverpool's best chance of playing Champions League football next season.

A European first for United

Another unwanted record broken with United's defeat over two legs; they have now lost their first European tie against English opposition, having won their previous five. 

Louis van Gaal
Image: United have been knocked out of Europe by English opposition for the first time

Famous wins include a 4-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Arsenal on their way to the Champions League final in 2009, a 3-1 aggregate quarter-final win over Chelsea in 2011, and the 2008 final victory on penalties over the Blues in Moscow.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have reached the quarter-final of a European competition for the first time since 2009/10, when they faced Benfica in the Europa League on their way to the semi-finals. 

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