Manchester United were in crisis after the opening two rounds of the Premier League.
Zero points and a 1-6 goal difference made the dissatisfaction even more palpable.
Before the match against Liverpool, thousands of United fans marched in the streets and protested against the club's owning family, the Glazers - who want to see the club sold.
Coach Erik ten Hag also chose to send signals in his own way, by poking superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and team captain Harry Maguire.
The players in United seemed to carry as much energy and anger as the supporters as they pressured Liverpool into panic from the start.
After 16 minutes, the Swede Anthony Elanga played Jadon Sancho, who spun up Liverpool's defense and rolled in 1-0.
United pass Liverpool
In the second half, when Elanga had already been substituted, Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 nicely played in by Anthony Martial.
Liverpool conceded a reduction through Egyptian Mohamed Salah and then pushed for an equaliser, without success.
Liverpool were overtaken in the table by Manchester United with the loss.
- It was a massive match for the club.
I think the energy was the big difference from the first two games, says Marcus Rashford after the game.
United are now advancing upwards and instead it is Liverpool who will have the most trouble after two points in three games.