The Brazil international is likely to make the Reds' first 11 at Manchester United on Sunday, but the captain's return would be a colossal lift
Philippe Coutinho had cut in from the left and, following a shimmy, fizzed past Guillermo Varela before flooring David de Gea with a dazzling dink from an acute angle. Old Trafford fell silent, stunned, save for the delirious away end that bounced all through the break and beyond through the haze of red smoke.
Does Reds' Man Utd test come at the worst possible time?
As the Brazilian’s chip sailed over the goalkeeper, the fight was sucked out of Manchester United; large swathes of their supporters departed with 15 minutes to spare knowing there were no designs for late drama.