What was touted to be a game of high stakes turned out to be one with high drama. In what was supposed to be a match that could have a major impact on the title race, United came up trumps to extend their lead in the title race to 6 points and take a definitive step closer to the title.
Much of the debate in the build up to the match surrounded around the referees and their officiating style. Rafa Benitez accused Sir Alex of trying to influence the referees by accusing them to be lenient to harsh tackles. Well it's more than a coincidence that Rafa's side was at the receiving end of the most important officiating decision of the match. Xavier Marscherano, on a yellow already, foul-mouthed the ref Steve Benett and ended up receiving the dreaded second and with that he more or less gifted the match into 
United's hands. That incident doesn't take anything away from United's performance. Even after having chosen to play a conservative 4-5-1 with Rooney as the sole striker, United created clearer chances in the first half and enjoyed better possession. The first goal deservedly came United's way, in the 34th minute. Rooney was the supplier from the left flank and for a change there was Wes Browne lurking. Browne's header wasn't the most convincing one as keeper Reina seemed to make a mess of the situation and the ball somehow ended up in the net.
United's hands. That incident doesn't take anything away from United's performance. Even after having chosen to play a conservative 4-5-1 with Rooney as the sole striker, United created clearer chances in the first half and enjoyed better possession. The first goal deservedly came United's way, in the 34th minute. Rooney was the supplier from the left flank and for a change there was Wes Browne lurking. Browne's header wasn't the most convincing one as keeper Reina seemed to make a mess of the situation and the ball somehow ended up in the net.With Liverpool down to 10 men, nobody was going to bet on them making a come back against an in-form United at Old Trafford. And so went the story - second half pretty much looked like a walk in the park for the Red Devils. Though Liverpool did looke like turning the tide with their gifted duo of Gerard and Torres they never really troubled Van Der Saar. United continued creating a lot of chances but were unable to convert them into goals. One goal cushions are never really that comfortable and perhaps not scoring the second was making them a little wary. But they did succeed in scoring the second towards the end of the second half. The second came as late as 80th minute - the scorer this time was none other than Christiano Ronaldo - you just can't keep him off the score sheet. The second was scored by substitute Nani - Rooney was the supplier again as Nani avoided the defenders brilliantly to find the back of the net. The scoreline doesn't really reflect the kind of domination United enjoyed, specially in the second half. Had they taken most of their chances, United could have made it look horribly humiliating for Liverpool. I'm sure that with this defeat even the most optimistic of Liverpool supporters would not have a thought about any title hopes this season.
Overall an entertaining encounter that was dominated by United. The work rate put up by most Reds was impressive, specially Carrick, Anderson and Wayne Rooney. Though Rooney hasn't been scoring too many, he's been the provider on so many ocassions lately which underlies the fact that his presence in the middle is more valuable to United than his goals. With 6 points in the kitty, United can now put daylight between themselves and other title contenders if they carry on in this way.
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