On a storm-tossed night at Old Trafford, lightning in the form of Mikael Silvestre struck twice for a reinvigorated Manchester United. Both were headers from Ryan Giggs deliveries. To lose one headed goal to Silvestre could be considered a misfortune; to lose two smacked of near criminal carelessness, particularly after Liverpool had levelled through John O'Shea's own goal.
This epic North-West encounter also carried significance for England; Steven Gerrard hobbled away on a damaged left heel, his every painful step watched by a concerned Sammy Lee, Sven-Goran Eriksson's representative. Gerrard may now be a doubt for the World Cup qualifier back here against Wales on Oct 9. At least Ferdinand indicated he would be ready.
With the wind and the rain swirling around Old Trafford, with some meaty tackles going in between such bitter foes, this had been a night for taking responsibility and United were the first to show. Ferdinand, whose failure to meet the obligations of his profession had brought eight months in Purdah, was swift to display his willingness to assume accountability on the field with a remarkably assured return, winning the ball effortlessly to breathe belief into United as they dominated the first half.
Ferdinand's central-defensive colleague, Silvestre, a player clearly relieved to have such a mobile leader back alongside him, was also quick to take responsibility, seizing the lead for United after 20 minutes and adding a second after 66 minutes. Liverpool's defence was as panic-stricken as United's was newly secure, although old flaws resurfaced gifting Liverpool a brief second-half equaliser through O'Shea's own goal.
Here was the real United, leaders showing themselves all over the park. Gabriel Heinze again impressed, defending doggedly when required but the Argentina international also raided hungrily upfield. Roy Keane was a colossus in the middle, while Ruud van Nistelrooy brimmed with intelligent movement further forward.