The Big Red Battle

Any clash between Manchester United and Liverpool is nothing short of a battle. These two teams have always been traditional rivals and always will be. Their much anticipated 3rd round FA Cup tie more than lived up to the hype and expectation. The day began for Liverpool just as it ended. The "sacking" of Roy Hodgson was never a good sign for the club as well as the fans. However with Kenny Dalglish in charge, The Reds' fans were hoping for a much needed change in form. United came into this match with just one loss in the entire season in any competetion while Liverpool had a completely contrasting fortune. On the back of a 3-1 loss to Blackburn in the league, confidence was low in the Merseysiders' camp.

Both managers understood the magnitude of the game and competetion and neither was willing to be complacent. Both fielded full strength teams with United however missing the important trio of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin Van Der Saar. Sir Alex preferred a two striker attacking formation unlike the one against Arsenal when he started with just one striker and a five man midfield. The evergreen Ryan Giggs too was given a start due to the absence of wingers Luis Antonio Valencia and Park Ji Sung. Liverpool were missing Jamie Carragher in the defence and otherwise had a good solid team.

The game started off in front of a packed Old Trafford stadium with United attacking at the blow of the whistle. Kenny Dalglish was hoping for a fairy tale return as manager but that fairy tale became a nightmare within 35 seconds. Daniel Agger conceded a penalty when Dimitar Berbatov was brought down albeit with a soft touch. Many would argue that he went down too easily but referee Howard Webb thought otherwise. With Nani and Berbatov on the field, no one expected Ryan Giggs to take the responsibility. Up stepped the Welsh legend and struck the ball past Pepe Reina though the keeper went the right way. United were leading within 2 minutes and they never looked back. The goal was like a stab in the chest for Liverpool who never seemed to be in the contest. United kept pushing forward and created many chances but as has been the case before this season, they did not convert any of them with Reina and the post coming to Liverpool's rescue. Sir Alex said after the game against Stoke City that United should convert the chances or they might live to regret them. And Liverpool could have made them regret but were unable to rake up good chances themselves. They did have a few half chances from Torres, Gerrard and Maxi but the Red Devils defence held on. On the half hour mark Liverpool received their second jolt when skipper Steven Gerrard was sent off for a two footed lunge on Michael Carrick. And with Stevie G out walked Liverpool's spirit and strength. United took full control of the game then on and did not look back. They went into the break with the one goal lead but looking very comfortable. After the interval fans hoped for a Liverpool revival like when they pulled two goals back during the Premier League clash here in September. Instead they were praying for survival from wave after wave of United attacks. In fact Reina made as many as five saves in a matter of 20 seconds. Being in control of the game Sir Alex decided to bring on Anderson for Darren Fletcher with the hope of adding an attacking dimension. He could weave no magic though as Reina was brilliant at the goal and Berbatov seemed off colour. With 15 minutes left, on came Michael Owen for Javier Hernandez hoping to completely finish off his former team. There were to be no more goals in the game but United played far better than the scoreline suggests. Cheers went across The Theatre of Dreams as Howard Webb blew the final whistle. The whistle suggested the end for Liverpool's FA Cup campaign while United lived to fight another day.

Kenny Dalglish could excuse himself for the loss since a first game at Old Trafford against Manchester United isn't exactly what one would ask for. Sir Alex, on the other hand, can look forward to a bright 2011 with his team leading the league table and getting favourable draws in the FA Cup 4th round and the Champions League. It certainly seems to be a "happy new year" for the red half of Manchester.