Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

The Spaniard had little to do in the Liverpool goal. Wrong-footed for Park's equaliser and had one scary moment after the break when he rushed out to challenge Welbeck.

Tidy on the ball but found it tough against Valencia. Beaten by the Ecuadorian winger on a few occasions and make a weak challenge on Rafael in the build-up to Park's goal.

Strong and commanding at the heart of the Liverpool defence, denying Welbeck space to cause damage.

The young full-back was selected ahead of Glen Johnson and produced a very sound defensive performance, sharp in his tackling and alert positionally.

On his 34th birthday, the Liverpool stalwart made a rare appearance in a holding midfield role. Looked uncomfortable as he took up poor positions and didn't appear to know whether or not to pressurise United midfielders.

Played on the right wing and looked completely bereft of confidence. The frustration of the Kop - and his own team-mates - was clear when he misplaced crosses and made poor decisions on the ball.

The Liverpool captain played with freedom in the first-half, driving the Reds on the counter-attack and taking the corner for Agger's opener. Looked surprised to be substituted for Bellamy in the 72nd minute.

The Argentine was efficient on the ball but lacked the spark of creativity Liverpool needed. Replaced by Adam in the 63rd minute.

Worked hard throughout the game without ever showing much quality on the ball. Sat deep for much of the match, letting Gerrard drive forward.

Too static for most of the game but made two decisive contributions. Blocked De Gea in the build-up to Agger's opener and won the header for Kuyt's winner. Hit the woodwork himself with a late header.

Strong defensive display against Maxi and then Downing, while he was a threat when he bombed forward. Created Park's goal with a powerful run cutback from the byline.

Powerful in the air all afternoon against Carroll, showing impressive strength and reading of the game. Will be disappointed he didn't make more of an effort to head clear the corner from which Agger scored - and he played Kuyt onside for the winner.

Calm and composed against Carroll and rarely looked troubled until he was caught out by Kuyt's winner. Allowed the Dutchman to run through and couldn't get near enough to make a challenge.

United's captain for the day was unsurprisingly booed by the Kop with every touch following the Luis Suarez racism row. Made a couple of mistimed challenges but on the whole produced a solid display.

Proved once again why he made a wise decision to come out of retirement as he dictated the tempo of game with short and long passes. Tired a little before being replaced by Hernandez in the 76th minute.

Grew in influence as the game went on, holding a good position and picking out some excellent, incisive passes, the pick of which sent Welbeck through on goal.

Like Scholes, used all his experience and technical ability to drift into pockets of space and showed his class on the ball as he picked out accurate passes. Early shot was struck with power but too close to Reina.

The Ecuadorian was constantly the outlet for United, hugging the touchline and looking to run at Liverpool defenders. Worked hard defensively and hit the post at the other end with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Drilled home United's equaliser after an astute run to the near post. Misplaced a few passes in promising situations but on the whole combined well with the rest of his midfield, particularly when he drifted inside.

Slightly isolated as the lone frontman and was unable to play his customary quick passes around the edge of the box. Finishing was wayward when he did get a sight on goal.