Liverpool Fail to Capitalise Against a Second Best Man United

Substitute Javier Hernandez earned Manchester United a valuable point after England striker     

Wayne Rooney was left out of the starting line-up at Liverpool. Manchester United manager Sir

Alex Ferguson revealed he dropped Rooney after he was left dissapointed by the 3 match ban that

rules him out of England's Euro 2012 group games following his red card in Montenegro.

United were second-best for long periods as they struggled to adapt to an unfamiliar line-up and

were ultimately fortunate to leave Merseyside with their unbeaten league run still intact.

And Ferguson was largely indebted to young keeper David de Gea, who has had his critics this

season but made crucial saves to keep United in contention as they came under concerted

pressure in the closing stages.

Ferguson, perhaps recalling how United had been comprehensively beaten 3-1 agaisnt Liverpool

last season, decided to field a more pragmatic look with Phil Jones in midfield. Jones had the best

chance when he met Patrice Evra's cross at the far post but headed weakly off-target, United's

closests chance in the opening first half.

Liverpool captain Gerrard created confusion in the United six-yard area with a quickly whipped

cross, however the best opportunity fell to Luis Suarez in the 33rd minute. Charlie Adam's shot

deflected into the Uruguayan's path but, after cleverly wrong-footing Jonny Evans, De Gea's came to

United's rescue with a block.

After Evra was shown a yellow card following a long bout of bickering which also involved Suarez,

Ferguson decided on a double change by replacing Park Ji-sung and Ashley Young with Nani

and Rooney. As they stood waiting to come on, Liverpool took the lead as Gerrard showed what his

side have been missing. United complained about the free-kick awarded when Adam tumbled

under Ferdinand's challenge - and Gerrard skilfully put a 20-yard free-kick past De Gea, largely

thanks to Ryan Giggs for jumping out of the wall.

De Gea was United's hero again within seconds of Hernandez's equaliser, diving to his left to claw

away Dirk Kuyt's shot as he got on the end of a superb cross from Stewart Downing. Defender

Martin Skrtel should have done better miss an opportunity in the last moments of the game.

Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson almost snatched victory twice in stoppage time but United

held on to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats at Anfield.

In the end it was Manchester United supporters who were happier with a point at the final whistle and

Liverpool supporters feeling robbed of what they felt should have been a victory and three points.