Fergie:
"Liverpool can play for only five minutes and win the game, that is the way they are.
"They pump the ball into the box and with good set-piece delivery they keep you under pressure.
"We did not have enough height to cope with that, losing Rio was a blow. You need a bit of luck in the cup and I think it went against us this time.
"We dominated the second half, no question, but we should have done better in the first.
"They had one shot on goal which was saved by (Edwin) van der Sar before their winner, and as I say they only need to play for five minutes because that is the way they are because they keep such a tight ship at the back."
Neville:
"It's desperaely disappointing but Alan's injury makes it ten times worse. Sometimes things happen in a match which makew you stop in your tracks. We didn't get to see Alan after the game but our thoughts are with him.
"We've got to pick ourselves up. We've got a Cup Final and there's still a lot to play for. They are a tall team, set piece, there is a fine line in these matches. That's the first goal we've conceeded in 3 mathces but it doesn't make us feel better. We're disappointed we didn't get that goal.
"We haven't got anytime to be thinking negatively. 40,000 fans travelling down. We have to win that Cup game. Some of the lads haven't won that trophy, some of the lads haven't won a trophy. We have to play very well to get there.
"We have to finish 2nd in the league. We have to finish strongly. We can't falter. We have to still keep our eye on Chelsea. Sure there will be a lot of sarcasm about the Carling Cup but we have to give our fans something to cheer about.
On animosity: "It's part of football and you have to accept that kind of thing goes on, especially at Anfield when United go there.
"We all get too carried away with shouts from the crowd. It's part and parcel of the game and I accept it. Football's important to a lot of people in Liverpool and Manchester and that's how it should be."
Benitez:
"We are all so sorry for Smith, it is a great pity such things happen and we all wish him good luck," said the Liverpool boss.
"As a manager you do not want to see any player hurt. But sadly this is football and I can only offer my concern and just enjoy the victory with my team and our fans."