PRESS BOX VIEW – MIRROR

With the Glazers at Old Trafford for the first time since November, United could not have picked a better time to record arguably the most significant win of their wretched season.

United's lack of midfield options was laid bare - Ryan Giggs partnering John O'Shea in the centre, with Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher deployed left and right. Hardly a quartet to strike fear into opponents, and so it proved.

The first-half was as combative as meetings between these two old foes always are, but there was little fluency.

Liverpool's best chance came in the 32nd minute, when Gerrard produced a moment of sublime skill that deserved a better finish. Gerrard threaded the ball behind the United defence with the outside of his right boot but Djibril Cisse produced an air-shot.

United's best opening came just before half-time when Giggs found Ruud van Nistelrooy, who then lost his footing.

Predictably, there were few chances but Cisse was guilty of the worst miss in the 63rd minute when he blasted over.

United abandoned their 4-4-2 system and played the second half with three up front and three in midfield having taken off O'Shea in favour of Louis Saha.

The gamble ultimately paid off.

Liverpool shaded the first half and had the majority of possession as the second half began, but it was United who finished the stronger. The home side lived dangerously, never more so than in the 89th minute when Wayne Rooney fouled Florent Sinama-Pongolle just outside his own area and was perhaps lucky to only get a yellow.

Gerrard wasted the free-kick and a minute later United had the ball in the Liverpool net. Patrice Evra was fouled by Steve Finnan and referee Mike Riley gave a free-kick.

Giggs lifted the ball into the area and Ferdinand rose to power a header which Jose Reina could only palm into the top corner. Cue mayhem.’