Erik ten Hag secured his first win as Manchester United manager in memorable style to pile further misery on Liverpool.
The Red Devils edged a thriller at Old Trafford - winning 2-1 after surviving a late fightback from their fiercest rivals.
But they were worthy of the three points with their most complete performance under Ten Hag to move them above Jurgen Klopp's side and lift some of the clouds hanging over the club.
On a night when fans protested against owners, the Glazers, both inside and outside the ground, the Theatre of Dreams also reached volumes rarely seen in recent years.
Jadon Sancho fired United into a first-half lead with some trickery in the box and then an impudent finish. And they doubled their advantage in the second half when substitute Anthony Martial set Marcus Rashford free to sweep a shot past Alisson.
It was ultimately enough to claim a victory they absolutely needed.