Liverpool 2 United 1

for gross misconduct.

Despite the constant booing and abuse from the home fans, Evra carried himself impeccably all day and, in the early stagesat least, he linked well with Ryan Giggs. The latter, facing Liverpool for the 44th time in his career, had United's first chance of the afternoon but saw his volley from 20 yards saved easily by Pepe Reina.

Reina was beaten on 17 minutes when Antonio Valencia darted inside off the right touchline, made a beeline for the penalty area and let fly from the edge of the box. But the Ecuadorian's low shot cannoned off the post and out to safety, much to the agony of United's vocal travelling support.

That support was silenced four minutes later when Liverpool took the lead through Daniel Agger. David De Gea, starting in goal for the first time since New Year's Eve, couldn't fight his way past Andy Carroll in order to claim Steven Gerrard's corner so could only watch, stranded, as Agger rose to head home from six yards.

The goal didn't dent United's confidence, though, and Sir Alex's men enjoyed long spells of possession in Liverpool's half before restoring parity just before the break. Rafael, who defended superbly all afternoon, scampered down the right flank and skipped past a challenge before cutting the ball back from the goal-line. There waiting, 12 yards from goal, was Ji-sung Park, who pulled the trigger first time to fire United