A delighted Robin van Persie celebrates scoring the opening goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford. Picture: REUTERS
FOOTBALL
Robin van Persie scored one goal and set up the other as leaders Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier League.
They remain seven points clear of champions Manchester City.
Van Persie put United ahead with a low shot midway through the first half and it was his free kick that set up the second for Nemanja Vidic.
Daniel Sturridge pulled one back for Liverpool in a much improved second-half display but United held out.
"I would have taken that score before the game," United boss Alex Ferguson said. "The first-half performance and, until we scored the second goal, was absolutely brilliant.
"It was as good a performance as we have had for a long time and we should have been three or four up but when they got their goal, they got inspired by it.
"Their supporters got going and it was hard work after that. I am just glad we won the match ... [The Liverpool goal] looked a bit soft; once again the keeper has parried one out and nobody is following in the rebound."
Liverpool had offered nothing when United took the lead after 19 minutes. A flurry of passes created space for Patrice Evra, who crossed low for van Persie. He had found a yard of space in front of Daniel Agger, and swept a low finish past goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
United doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half. Van Persie's free kick was met at the back post by Patrice Evra, whose header flicked Vidic on its way past Reina.
But within two minutes the visitors were back in it. Sturridge, who had come off the bench to make his Liverpool league debut, following in after David De Gea had saved Steven Gerrard's shot. DPA