Europa League: Manchester United left with mountain to climb after Liverpool's Anfield triumph

It was a night of firsts as Daniel Sturridge’s maiden European goal, from the penalty spot, teed up Louis van Gaal’s first defeat against the Reds after four straight wins for United against their arch rivals.

Sturridge’s first-half strike – his first in continental competition in only his fifth appearance in over three years – was followed by Roberto Firmino’s close-range effort 17 minutes from time. Had it not been for the continued brilliance of goalkeeper David de Gea, it would have been over as a contest before next week’s return at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Van Gaal had spoken of not living in the past, Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp had said he did not believe in enemies in football, but an atmosphere crackling with electricity certainly did not reflect that.

Mauricio Pochettino insists he does not regret fielding a weakened team despite Borussia Dortmund thrashing Tottenham 3-0 in their first leg.

Harry Kane was left on the bench at the Westfalenstadion as Pochettino played Nacer Chadli up front and Ryan Mason and Tom Carroll in midfield and handed 18-year-old Josh Onomah only his fourth start of the season.

The decision to rest some of his top players, with Mousa Dembele also on the bench and Eric Dier left at home, backfired as Marco Reus’s double and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s header all but ended Spurs’ hopes of progress.

“No regrets,” Pochettino said. “I’m very disappointed with the result but we didn’t have a very good day. It was a bad day in the office. When we analysed the squad and picked the starting 11 we tried to win the game. It started okay but it was a really bad day for us.”

Holders Sevilla played out a goalless draw at Basle after having Steven Nzonzi sent off for a second bookable offence.