Manchester United

3.00

• 
  20

  10

  3.00

  David de Gea

  A spectator for large periods. So unfortunate to concede to Sturridge having just pulled off a marvellous stop.

• 
  26

  4

  3.00

  Rafael

  Dealt with Sterling intelligently and got forward with typical menace.

• 
  35

  5

  3.50

  Patrice Evra Top of the Match

  Provided the cross for Van Persie to open the scoring and headed home - with a deflection from Vidic - early in the second half.

• 
  30

  4

  3.00

  Rio Ferdinand

  Kept Suarez under wraps for much of the game, forcing the Uruguayan to go deep as he tried to influence matters.

• 
  31

  4

  3.00

  Nemanja Vidic

  Kept Suarez at arm's length as much as possible. Got a touch on United's second and could claim it.

• 
  30

  6

  3.50

  Michael Carrick

  Continued his recent run of impressive performances with a dominant midfield showing. Used the ball as brilliantly as ever.

• 
  19

  11

  2.50

  Ashley Young

  Was kept quiet by the visitors' defence before being substituted at half-time with an injury.

• 
  24

  5

  3.00

  Tom Cleverley

  Almost scored with a wonderfully struck volley in the first half. Helped dominate alongside Carrick, though his influence waned in the second period.

• 
  23

  11

  3.00

  Danny Welbeck

  Worked his socks off to close down the Liverpool defenders as they tried to pass from the back. Used his pace to push the opposition deeper.

• 
  37

  2

  3.50

  Robin van Persie

  Showed his class with a deftly taken opener and swung in the free-kick from which United scored their second.

• 
  31

  9

  3.00

  Shinji Kagawa

  Should perhaps have toed home when presented with a great opportunity in the first period. Saw Reina deny him with a wonder save before being taken off after 75 minutes.

Substitutions

• 
  14

  5

  2.50

  Phil Jones

  Introduced to a midfield who were on the back foot late in the game and did little to turn the tide.

• 
  14

  3

  3.00

  Chris Smalling

  Thrown on late to shore up the hosts' defence. Regularly tested as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser.

• 
  15

  7

  2.50

  Antonio Valencia

  Introduced in place of the injured Young but showed why he has struggled to make as great an impact this season as he did in the last. Tracked Johnson relentlessly, though.

Liverpool

2.89

• 
  8

  6

  3.00

  José Reina Paez

  Made a brave interception in the first half which resulted in him needing treatment. Had little chance with the goals.

• 
  5

  9

  3.00

  Glen Johnson

  Lost Evra as the full-back headed home. Did well at left-back, though, getting forward to good effect on his less-favoured foot.

• 
  9

  8

  3.50

  Daniel Agger

  Helped ensure United did not run away with the game with some crucial interceptions. Showed bravery to take the ball forward.

• 
  7

  9

  3.00

  Martin Skrtel

  Always appears more comfortable when not up against a physically imposing striker. Could have used the ball better when bringing it out from the back.

• 
  6

  10

  2.50

  Andre Wisdom

  Missed a golden opportunity to score after being played in by Suarez. The cross which allowed Van Persie to score came from his flank.

• 
  4

  10

  3.00

  Steven Gerrard

  Struggled as much as his midfield colleagues as United dominated the centre of the park. Grew into the game and forced De Gea into a save which led to Sturridge scoring.

• 
  4

  8

  3.00

  Stewart Downing

  Did little on the counterattack but worked hard to track his full-back and kept things safe in possession.

• 
  3

  10

  2.50

  Lucas Leiva

  The clumsy challenge which brought a yellow card typified his performance. Substituted at half-time.

• 
  6

  17

  2.00

  Joe Allen Flop of the Match

  Misplaced the ball constantly in the first half. Improved slightly in the second but was still below par.

• 
  6

  9

  2.50

  Raheem Sterling

  Looked overwhelmed by the occasion and had little influence before being taken off on the hour mark.

• 
  10

  8

  3.00

  Luis Suárez

  Fought a one-man battle against the United defence in the first 45 minutes. Not at his best but still struck fear into the opposition.

Substitutions

• 
  6

  9

  3.00

  Jordan Henderson

  Gave Liverpool added energy in midfield, proving why he should perhaps have started the game.

• 
  13

  6

  3.50

  Daniel Sturridge

  Scored with almost his first touch of the game after following in from De Gea's save. Added impetus to a Liverpool attack which had been anaemic.

• 
  6

  5

  3.00

  Fabio Borini

  Looked rusty in some of his passing but ran hard and nearly scored an excellent half volley.