One of the games biggest football rivalries ended up with a United win, a double over Liverpool and a 10 point lead at the top of the table. A perfect day for a United fan.
In terms of the game itself, it was a game of two halves. United had the better of the first half and should have been out of sight, but Liverpool shaded it in the second half and ran out of time and chances to get a draw.
The line up for United saw Vidic and Ferdinand resume there dominant partnership and were well flanked by Rafael and Evra. The midfield saw Carrick and Cleverley battle in the middle and Young and Kagawa out wide. Welbeck supported RVP up front.
United started very well, with United winning the midfield battle with Carrick in particular dominating the midfield with his tackling and distribution. Chances were rare in the first 15 minutes but United did not have to wait long when Welbeck sprayed the ball the Evra who sent in a low ball and RVP shook off Agger and guided the ball past Reina.
Cleverley had a volley that just went past the post and Welbeck was a constant nuisance to the Liverpool defence and he had a few chances but his final shot was well below par. However, his performance was one off providing support and doing the donkey work for RVP.
United could have gone 2 up on the stroke of half time when a ball by Carrick was latched onto by Rafael who passed the ball to RVP who flicked it towards the goal but Skertal cleared only for Kagawa to clatter Reina and the chance was up.
The second half started and United got an early goal when Welbeck was chopped down and the resulting free kick was floated into the box by RVP and was met by Evra head which took a deflection of Vidic. The dubious goal committee do not get involved if it is two of the same team so Vidic should get the shout for the second goal.
Liverpool made a great response when sub Daniel Sturridge lashed in a rebound from De Gea save after a fine shot by Stevie Gerrard. Liverpool then got a stranglehold on the game and Carrick and Cleverley were now getting no time on the ball. United made several changes to try and stem the tide and the chances were limited with only Sturridge getting the chances.
Kagawa had a fine chance to put the game to bed but Reina pulled off a great save to frustrate United. The game saw 4 minutes of stoppage time and United held off and got the three points.
Very difficult to pick a man of the match but Rafael and Welbeck were outstanding for there drive and commitment. The defence looked very tight with Vidic and Rio who very vocal and very organised. Carrick played well but got squeezed out in the second half. RVP took a lot of hits and was very economical with the ball.
United went ten points clear as City were playing after and with Tottenham next in the league, the games are coming thick and fast.
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