Wayne Rooney duped by fake picture of Manchester United fan in Anfield Kop

Wayne Rooney appears to have fallen for a fake photo showing a Manchester United fan bravely supporting his team among Liverpool fans in the Kop at Anfield on Sunday.

A photo went viral on social media showing a United supporter proudly holding a club scarf aloft in the famous end of his rivals' stadium.

Many believed that the fan made the controversial decision to watch United's 2-1 victory from the Kop, but the Daily Mail reports that the photo is a fake.

According to the publication, the supporter was photoshopped into the crowd and the actual image was taken in Bangkok in 2013 during United's pre-season tour.

When Rooney took to Twitter to express his delight in the win, he also mentioned the fan by writing: "the United fan in the kop. Brilliant."

Sunday's win has put United five points clear of Liverpool in fourth place.

@WayneRooney picture taken and posted by @ynfa_thehub pic.twitter.com/0mroqDm3aA

— YNFA (@ynfa_thehub) March 22, 2015