Manchester United – Liverpool

1. Join us for live commentary from Old Trafford from 1330 BST.

2. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0914/jamiecarraghergaryneville20100321_275x155.jpg">

3. You can read a blog on the game <a href="http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2010/09/the_five_amenders.php">here</a>, a preview <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=293064&league=ENG.1&cc=5739">here</a>, and a feature about the recent rivalry between the teams <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=823019&cc=5739">here</a>.

4. The day's massive game at Old Trafford will be kicking off shortly, and the team news suggests it could be a cracker.

5. Liverpool have brought Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard back in as expected, and they'll be joined by Joe Cole, Raul Meireles and Maxi Rodriguez.

6. It's a first Premier League start for Meireles, who will be partnered in central midfield by Christian Poulsen.

7. United, meanwhile, are without Rio Ferdinand - for reasons that aren't 100% clear yet - so Jonny Evans partners Nemanja Vidic.

8. Roy Hodgson: "They're very, very good here. The first thing we do is work hard to not leave them many gaps."

9. Sir Alex Ferguson says United have an eye on Chelsea - who've had "a very easy start" - and can't afford too many more slip-ups.

10. Fergie's been <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=824752&sec=england&cc=5739">slagging off Rafa</a> in the build-up to the game in the absence of any hatred for the current manager, Roy Hodgson.

11. Don't fear, though - there should still be plenty of hatred to go around even if the managers don't dislike each other. Even little Paul Scholes was talking about the mutual hate this week, which probably tells you all you need to know.

12. <b>KICK OFF</b> Manchester United get us started.

13. 1'

    Can the Premier League's two most high-profile out-of-form strikers find their feet today? If Torres and Rooney perform we should be in for a cracking match.

14. 2'

    A clearance from Glen Johnson is punted into the United half and Torres gives chacse, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Nemanja Vidic was in possession...

15. 3'

    An early show of intent from the home side, Nani delivering a cross that is just too high for Dimitar Berbatov.

16. 4'

    First corner of the afternoon, Nani drifting off the wing and unleashing a shot that's deflected behind...

17. 4'

    Vidic gets to the cross first and sends his header high over Pepe Reina's crossbar.

18. 5'

    Another set piece for United, Konchesky tripping Nani out on the right.

19. 5'

    A really bright start from Fergie's men, another corner as Konchesky blocks Nani's cross...

20. 6'

    Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard rises highest and clears the cross, although the visitors are under pressure again immediately, another corner!

21. 7'

    Vidic goes to ground rather theatrically in search of a penalty, correctly nothing is given. Reina is then forced to punch clear a deep cross from Fletcher, Liverpool are under the cosh already.

22. 8'

    At second glance Vidic may have had a case for a penalty from the tug by Carragher, Rooney flicks a header wide from Ryan Giggs' cross.

23. 9'

    Liverpool entering the United half for the first time after a break from Joe Cole, he's unable to create anything though, at least the pressure is eased on the away team for a moment.

24. 10'

    Ten minutes gone, and it's been a really bright, positive start from Manchester United. Free kick Liverpool as Wayne Rooney is offside.

25. 11'

    Roy Hodgson desperately needs a result today, not much to encouraged the Liverpool manager yet though.

26. 12'

    A first prolonged spell of possession for Liverpool and it's exactly what they needed to settle themselves.

27. 13'

    United's early momentum seems to have eased off slightly, we're yet to have a proper chance for either side.

28. 15'

    The opening comes to Nani, and the Portuguese should have opened the scoring. Rooney has the ball on the edge of the area, eventually finding Nani. The winger tries to cut inside, he's blocked off only to find the ball back at his feet six yards from goal and he sidefoots it wide, a glaring miss.

29. 16'

    Joe Cole makes his Premier League return after suspension, will he provide the spark to help ignite Fernando Torres' season?

30. 17'

    Neither of the struggling strikers have been involved so far, whichever one can find their form today will give their team a massive lift.

31. 18'

    Rooney's first forray into the action, he's full of intent, but his dribble is blocked by the Liverpool backline.

32. 19'

    Liverpool free kick, Scholes shoving Mereiles.

33. 20'

    Liverpool waste the free kick, and finds themselves defending another corner at the other end...

34. 20'

    Fernando Torres gets back for Liverpool to head the corner clear as far as Paul Scholes. His first-time shot is powerful but poorly directed, goal kick.

35. 21'

    Berbatov is putting himself about and he forces Skrtel into an error. The referee adjudges the Bulgarian to have fouled the Slovakian and Liverpool have a free kick.

36. 22'

    Glen Johnson enters the United half for the first time, he'll be wishing he hadn't bother as his floated cross is easily gathered by Van Der Sar.

37. 23'

    First corner to Liverpool and chance to test Van Der Sar...

38. 24'

    The corner is taken short to Glen Johnson, who turns inside, onto his weaker left foot, before rifling a low drive just past the far post.

39. 25'

    The United fans are furious as the ever-popular Steven Gerrard trips Darren Fletcher, the ref blows for a free kick.

40. 26'

    Big appeals for a penalty, again from the United fans. Skrtel tangles with Rooney and the England man goes down, nothing given.

41. 27'

    Another opening for United, John O'Shea gets to the byline and his low cross is blocked. Liverpool look shaky here.

42. 28'

    Good defending from Evans, showing Gerrard down the line before clearing for a throw in.

43. 29'

    This time Vidic gets in on the act, sliding in to dispossess Joe Cole.

44. 30'

    Almost a chance for Torres, Johnson bursting forward and trying to get into the box resulting in a ricochet to the Spaniard. He's easily outmuschled by Vidic and the Liverpool number nine looks like someone has just told him Santa's not real.

45. 31'

    The game is going through a slightly scrappy phase at the moment, Evra and Poulsen exchanging tackles in the centre circle.

46. 32'

    Liverpool free kick, Gerrard brought down by Giggs.

47. 33'

    Meireles wastes the free kick and United break, the Portuguese midfielders' identical twin Paul Konchesky does excellently to stop the on-rushing Nani.

48. 34'

    Sir Alex Ferguson is burning the ears of the fourth official, presumably after a free kick for Konchesky's challenge on Nani.

49. 35'

    Roles reversed this time as Nani brings down Konchesky and Liverpool have a useful set piece.

50. 36'

    Liverpool waste the free kick and United are yet to be tested.

51. 37'

    A mini spell of pressure for Liverpool comes to an end with Christian Poulsen launching a truly awful long ball high into the Manchester sky and out for a goal kick.

52. 38'

    Anything Poulsen can do the Konch can do better, his cross from the left squirming of his toe and straight out for a goal kick.

53. 39'

    Coming to the end of the first half and neither keeper has been tested yet, who will make the breakthrough?

54. 40'

    United have a chance from another corner...

55. 41'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b></b> After the first corner fails, Giggs gets another go. This one couldn't have gone any better, finding the head of Berbatov who guides it past Reina and a despairing Konchesky on the line. We have a goal!

56. 42'

    United claiming for a penalty again, Maxi Rodriguez's backwards header striking the arm of Carragher. It would've been a harsh one it must be said.

57. 43'

    Wayne Rooney finally bursts into life, taking the ball 30 yards from goal and bending a low effort narrowly wide. The goal has given United a real lift.

58. 45'

    <b>ONE MINUTED ADDED TIME</b>

59. 46'

    <b>HALF TIME</b> United have the lead at the break thanks to Berbatov's header, and it's deserved. Liverpool have been timid and pretty much clueless.

60. 45'

    So United got the lead their dominance had meritted right at the end of the half. They hadn't really tested Reina, but they were the only team who looked remotely like scoring.

61. 45'

    For Roy Hodgson there's only one question, how do you solve a problem like Fernando? The Spaniard is strolling around like a heartbroken puppy and Hodgson will have to earn his salt to kick him into gear.

62. 45'

    The teams are back out for the second half, led by goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov.

63. 45'

    <b>KICK OFF</b> Liverpool start the second half.

64. 46'

    Liverpool need a huge improvement in the second half, while United will ask for more of the same.

65. 47'

    Joe Cole and Glen Johnson sum up Liverpool's afternoon. The two former Chelsea men get their wires well and truly crossed, with Cole eventually passing the ball straight out of play. This will be hard to watch for Liverpool fans.

66. 48'

    Nani, playing from the right at the start of the second half, dips inside and fires off a left-footed shot that is well blocked by Skrtel.

67. 49'

    Very neat play from Meireles and Cole, with the England man playing a decent cross towards Torres, but it's just too high.

68. 50'

    Free kick for United...

69. 51'

    The free kick is taken short to Fletcher, his drive takes a wicked deflection and loops towards Berbatov. With the United number 9 stretching, he gets a toe on the ball but Reina is out quickly to smother the shot.

70. 52'

    Fernando Torres what is wrong? Johnson finds the striker with a decent cross, his volley on the turn is a good idea, shame the execution was so poor.

71. 53'

    United still in front and looking comfortable in the early stages of the second half.

72. 54'

    It seems like Manchester United could find another gear if they really needed to. Giggs nearly finds Berbatov with a chipped through ball.

73. 56'

    Nani rattles the woodwork! Once again he's wide on the right, and from the corner of the penalty area hits a rasping drive which had Reina beaten all ends up! Very unlucky.

74. 57'

    Liverpool attempt to respond, Joe Cole breaking before hitting an awful shot wide of the post.

75. 58'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Dimitar Berbatov with a splendid second goal!</b> Nani is fed wide on the right thanks to a wonderful Fletcher pass. He crosses in to Berbatov who, with his back to goal, takes one touch with his knee to control the ball before flicking his shot over his shoulder and into the Pepe Reina's net via the crossbar. A truly magnificent goal.

76. 59'

    Liverpool almost concede again, Carragher having to scramble clear a low cross.

77. 60'

    Ryan Babel is warming up...

78. 61'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Ryan Babel is on for Maxi Rodriguez</b>

79. 62'

    The previous caption was not a typing error, Maxi Rodriguez was actually playing in this game.

80. 63'

    <b>PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL</b> What a lifeline! Evans with a rash sliding challenge on Torres and the visitors have a chance to grab one back.

81. 63'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Steven Gerrard sends Van Der Sar the wrong way and Liverpool are back in this contest.</b>

82. 64'

    Manchester United waste no time in getting straight back on the attack and suddenly this match has exploded into life. Berbatov heads back across goal to Rooney who can only direct his header straight at Reina.

83. 65'

    Nani is down and looking hurt after a collision with Poulsen. He seems to be clutching his wrist, I'm not sure how he's injured himself here.

84. 66'

    Liverpool sporting put the ball out of play, good to see.

85. 67'

    The action restarts and Giggs turns Johnson inside and out before clipping in a dangerous looking cross that Skrtel has to head clear.

86. 68'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Paul Scholes</b> commits a foul in customary fashion and collects his booking.

87. 68'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>John O'Shea</b> is a very lucky boy! Torres races to get onto a through ball and the Irishman tugs him back. It looks like a nailed on red card, but Howard Webb issues a yellow. Gerrard over the set piece...

88. 69'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Gerrard tucks the ball around the wall and low into the back of the net!</b> Out of nowhere Liverpool are level! Unbelievable stuff at Old Trafford!

89. 71'

    Meireles almost on the scoresheet! A long through ball a the Portugueses is inches from connecting with a header.

90. 72'

    United look well and truly stunned, how have Liverpool levelled this match?

91. 73'

    Who is going to grab the winner? Surely there must be a winner???

92. 74'

    United are looking to try and regain their superiority, but Liverpool are understandly galvanised by recent events.

93. 75'

    Evra slides in late on Gerrard and is pretty lucky to escape a card.

94. 76'

    David Ngog involved for the first time, in all the confusion it's been very easy to forget he's playing. His shot is the worst of the game and rockets into the stands.

95. 78'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Milan Jovanovic on for Raul Meireles</b>

96. 79'

    The game has settled down since Liverpool's equaliser. A draw is no good for United, surely they need to go all out for a win?

97. 80'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Daniel Agger on for Paul Konchesky</b>

98. 81'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Federico Macheda on for Ryan Giggs</b>

99. 82'

    So Ferguson showing some attacking intent, replacing a midfielder with a striker. They haven't threatened at all since Liverpool pegged them back.

100. 83'

     Agger and Nani have a rather frank exchange of views, with the Dane feeling Nani dived in the box.

101. 83'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Berbatov seals his hat-trick!</b> United regain the lead, and Berbatov puts the seal on his best day in a red shirt! A cross from the right, he rises higher than anyone else and glances a header into the bottom corner and there was nothing Reina could do. A sickener for Liverpool.

102. 84'

     Roy Hodgson looks utterly dejected on the bench. What a second half.

103. 85'

     Can Liverpool find another equaliser? Anderson looks set to come on for United.

104. 87'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Anderson and Darron Gibson on for Nani and Dimitar Berbatov</b>

105. 88'

     Agger has been particularly irate since he was introduced. Attempting to get on the end off a cross he shoves his marker to the ground.

106. 90'

     <b>FOUR MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

107. 91'

     Liverpool launching the ball long desperately seeking a goal, it doesn't look like coming though...

108. 92'

     United are doing a great job of keeping possession and running down the clock, only two minutes remaining now...

109. 93'

     United free kick near the Liverpool corner flag after a Gerrard foul on Anderson. That will probably be enough.

110. 94'

     <b>FULL TIME</b> Manchester United beat Liverpool courtesy of a stellar performance from Dimitar Berbatov. A great performance from the Bulgarian, and having dragged themselves back into the game, Liverpool will be devastated that they couldn't hang on.

111. 94'

     United's season gets the kick-start it so badly needed, while for Liverpool, they are looking over their shoulder at the relegation places.

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