LIVERPOOL
JOSE REINA
Given more trouble by the "Yanks Out" beach balls that rained down from the Kop before kick-off than United, although had to remain alert as a sweeper. 6
GLEN JOHNSON
Clearly under orders to limit his forward forays with United fielding a two-man attack and defence more solid as a result. 7
JAMIE CARRAGHER
Lucky to escape a red card for hauling down his old mate Michael Owen but otherwise a display to silence the critics, dominant in the air and thunderous in the tackle. Man of the match. 8
DANIEL AGGER
Brought more composure and intelligence to the back-line than Skrtel has of late, the Dane's awareness was the source of Berbatov's frustration. 7
EMILIANO INSUA
Two early mistakes affected the young Argentinian's confidence. Improved against Valencia as the game wore on but his distribution was often found wanting. 5
YOSSI BENAYOUN
Space was at a premium for the flair players in this game, but the Israeli left an indelible mark with the pass for Torres's opener. Too elaborate at times, though. 7
JAVIER MASCHERANO
Beginning to recapture form after a poor start, and protected his defence diligently compared to the United midfield until his dismissal in stoppage time. 7
LUCAS LEIVA
Made his mark swiftly on the midfield scrap. Worked tirelessly in support of his defence and creatively, as illustrated by his part in Ngog's winner. 8
FABIO AURELIO
His inclusion showed Benítez's first task was to consolidate and stop the rot. Covered well for Insúa and his accurate deliveries unnerved United. 7
DIRK KUYT
Fully committed but lacked finesse in front of goal. Wasted two great chances to give Liverpool a first-half lead but his work-rate fuelled United's defensive unease. 6
FERNANDO TORRES
Distracted at times, theatrical in part and not fully fit, yet still provided the game's decisive moment with an outstanding finish. You get what you pay for. 8
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ngog for Torres, 81; Skrtel for Benayoun, 90
MANCHESTER UNITED
EDWIN VAN DER SAR
A superb double-save from Aurélio and Kuyt showed why he is the only United keeper Ferguson can trust. Only beaten by a wonderful finish and a breakaway goal. 7
JOHN O'SHEA
Verbally and with the ball, the Irishman had no rapport with Valencia on the United right and an opportunity against Insúa was lost. 5
RIO FERDINAND
Not quick or strong enough to prevent Torres from scoring, but his biggest crime was taking no responsibility and leaving it all to Vidic throughout. 5
NEMANJA VIDIC
Another tortuous afternoon for the Serb against Liverpool. His third successive red card in this fixture followed a dominant aerial display, but several narrow escapes on the floor. 6
PATRICE EVRA
Compromised as a result of the game's first yellow card, the French full-back was rarely seen in the final third but snuffed out several dangerous Liverpool counters. 6
ANTONIO VALENCIA
Suggested he would be United's key threat with a strong, direct opening but, with Insúa under severe pressure, he disappeared from view. Lacked belief. 6
PAUL SCHOLES
His refusal to yield to Lucas and Mascherano made for a compelling midfield contest. Intelligent and clean in the tackle, honestly, before tiring. 7
MICHAEL CARRICK
The least effective of the four central midfielders on display. Never had the time he needs to dictate the flow of the game. 6
RYAN GIGGS
"Giggs 10, Gerrard 0" read one banner in the United end in reference to league titles won, but the Welshman was isolated on the margins until moving into the middle late on. 6
DIMITAR BERBATOV
Days like this make you wonder what on earth compelled Ferguson to spend £32m on the Bulgarian. Completely ineffective, poor first touch and inevitably withdrawn. 4
WAYNE ROONEY
So starved of possession at times it seemed like last season's Champions League final revisited. Worked hard but no joy against Carragher. 6
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Owen for Berbatov, 74; Nani for Scholes, 74
