Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United

Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United

Saturday 28/01/2012

FA Cup 4th Round

Manchester United crash out of the FA cup to late Dirk Kuyt winner.

With a midweek Premier League fixture with Stoke City on the horizon, Sir Alex Ferguson made the decision to rest some key names. Wanye Rooney and Luis Nani weren't included in the match day squad, after both picking up knocks in the 2 - 1 victory over Arsenal last week. David de Gea was making his first start since the 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on New Years Eve.

But with the experienced duo of Ryan Giggs and the returning Paul Scholes United dominated the play in the opening stages. United were operating a three man midfield that also included the inform Michael Carrick, between them they starved the home side of possession, looking comfortable for long stretches.

However the first clear cut chance fell to the hosts and they managed to capitalise as Daniel Agger headed home a Steven Gerrard corner. David De Gea again struggled with the cross as the eventual header flew over his head as he failed to claim the ball.

United didn't panic and instantly rediscovered their passing rhythm as they looked to get back on level terms. And they did get level, with the goal coming six minutes from half time as Rafael took advantage of some sloppy defending from Jose Enrique crossing low for Park Ji-Sung who rifled the ball into the bottom corner of Pepe Reina's goal.

The equaliser was no less than the visitors deserved. After a quiet first half the teams went in level with most of the attention of the home crowd being directed towards United defender Patrice Evra, who had been racially abused by Luis Suarez earlier this season. The behaviour of the home crowd was very unsympathetic and was verging on abusive, adding a sour note to the game.

The second half continued much as the first, with United holding possession in the middle of the park rarely probing forward but denying Liverpool the ball. The game continued in this manner until the final ten minutes when the home side came alive, as both teams changed to a 4-4-2 formation Liverpool finally found their footing in the game, as they launched the ball towards the United keeper looking to force him into another error.

And the home side did grab a winner, but it wasn't at the fault of United Spanish keeper. As Pepe Reina hoofed a ball up-field, Andy Carroll jumped highest to knock the ball down to Dirk Kuyt who hammered home from close range after 87 minutes. There was no time for a United response and the game finished 2 - 1.

With Stoke City visiting Old Trafford on Tuesday evening United can now look at concentrating their efforts on the Premier League as the reds drop out of the FA cup at the 4th round.