Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Another good performance in the United goal although, in truth, he had little to do. Calm when called upon and his distribution was good.

The Brazilian defended with tenacity against Downing, keeping the Liverpool winger out of the game, and always looked to support Valencia in attack. Tested Reina in the first-half with a left-footed shot from inside the penalty area.

Looked slightly dazed after an early collision with his own team-mate but recovered well. Defensively alert throughout the game and made a superb last-ditch tackle on Suarez on the stroke of half-time. Appeared to be caught in two minds as he allowed the ball to bounce off him as Suarez pounced to score.

The Northern Irish defender was very assured and comfortable, taking up good defensive positions and challenging well in the air. Always comfortable on the ball as United built from the back.

The Frenchman was understandably furious with Suarez's decision not to shake his hand before kick-off but, commendably, kept his cool on the pitch. Defended well against Kuyt but found it more difficult when Johnson bombed forward from deep.

The Ecuadorian looked lively from the outside, picking up the ball and charging at the Liverpool defence. Constantly caused problems for Jose Enrique and created Rooney's second with a precise pass after robbing Spearing of possession.

An understated but very effective screen in central midfield for United, especially in the way he denied Gerrard space to pick of the ball and really influence the game. As ever his passing, both short and long, was simple and efficient.

Looked like he might struggle with the pace of the game early on but settled into a pattern and started dictating play. He was given time on the ball to either spin passes out wide or play the ball into the feet of Rooney and Welbeck. Had a glorious chance in the first-half but his free header from six yards went straight at Reina.

Fresh from signing a contract to extend his career for yet another season, the Welshman provided width on the left side and linked up well with Scholes and Rooney. His passing was at times a little inconsistent but his vision was always a danger, as shown with his superb first-half cross for Scholes.

Showed why he is currently the first choice to partner Rooney up front with an excellent performance. Continually troubled Liverpool with his clever use of the ball, particularly with one-touch passes. Perhaps could have been more of a threat in the penalty box but his movement, pace and strength pulled defenders out of position.

The Spaniard produced sharp stops in the first-half to deny Rafael and Scholes, but could do nothing about Rooney's decisive double.

The Liverpool full-back had an intriguing duel with Giggs. Occasionally caught out of position defensively but showed good recovery pace. Probably his side's best attacking outlet, certainly in the first-half, and zipped one left-footed shot just wide of the post.

The Slovakian was strong on the whole, snapping into tackles, but he sometimes didn't know whether or not to follow Welbeck when the United striker moved into pockets of space.

A calm display from the Dane, who combined some alert interceptions with good positioning and tidy passing.

Usually so reliable, the Spaniard struggled up against Valencia from the outset, with his first contribution a cynical foul as the Ecuadorian ran towards the box. The effect was also that he was pinned back and had few opportunities to get forward and threaten in the final third.

Played as the anchor in midfield but couldn't get to grips with United's passing and movement. Made a couple of tenacious tackles but, on the whole, the hosts found it easy to play around him. Robbed of possession in the lead up to United's second goal before being replaced by Carroll in the 61st minute.

A busy and hard-working display in central midfield, but he lacked quality on the ball and could have done more defensively to help Spearing.

The Liverpool captain didn't have the best of afternoons from the first minute, when he overhit a pass that could have put Suarez through on goal. Largely on the periphery of the game, especially in the second-half.

The Dutchman didn't get much joy against Evra and lacked the speed and technique to cause United problems on the counter-attack before being substituted for Adam 15 minutes from time.

The Uruguayan will attract the headlines after his contemptible behaviour in refusing to shake Evra's hand, while he also caused a stir when he smashed the ball into the stand when the whistle was blown at half-time. On the pitch, his movement did threaten the hosts and he got Liverpool back into the game, stabbing the ball into the net from close range 10 minutes from time.