Goals from Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park gave a Manchester United a deserved win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, with Fernando Torres' early opener the only high point for Rafael Benitez' men.
Torres did brilliantly to bag his fifth goal in a week. He backheeled the ball to Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park. The Reds' captain advanced before sliding in Dirk Kuyt, who crossed a magnificent ball for Torres to head past Edwin van der Sar.
It was to prove Liverpool's best move of the match and scarcely seven minutes later United were level. Antonio Valencia appeared to be fouled by Javier Mascherano outside the box but referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot.
Rooney's spot kick was saved by Jose Reina but the England striker was on hand to knock in the rebound, his 33rd goal of the season.
The rest of the half was a tight affair. Nani saw his shot from distance saved by Reina, while Rooney's late free-kick was caught by the Spaniard.
The second half began in a similarly tight fashion but Park threw the match wide open when he headed home a stunning cross by man of the match Darren Fletcher.
Liverpool, and Torres in particular, had chances late in the game but the 26-year-old was wasteful in front of goal and United took the points.