Manchester United recovered from an early Liverpool goal to come from behind at Old Trafford to triumph 2-1 over their Anfield rivals and return to the summit of the Premiership. Liverpool raced into a fifth minute lead at Old Trafford when Fernando Torres powered home a header from Dirk Kuyt's accurate cross.
But the Reds lead was short lived as United hit back within seven minutes through a Wayne Rooney penalty.
Javier Mascherano was penalised by referee Howard Webb for bringing down Antonio Valencia, even though the offence began outside the area.
Jose Reina made a superb save to initially deny Rooney from 12 yards, but the ball fell kindly to the England striker who netted the rebound for his 33rd goal of the campaign.
The winning goal came in the 60th minute from Ji-Sung Park who bravely dispatched a diving header from Darren Fletcher's centre.
United return to the top, two points clear of Arsenal, whilst a tenth defeat is a serious setback for Liverpool's hopes of securing Champions League football next season.
