4 March 2007, by Sean Gillen

Dramatic late strike gives United massive win

Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United

Manchester United took a major step towards the Premiership title after John O’Shea’s injury time goal gave the 10-man Reds another fortuitous win over Liverpool at Anfield.

The league leaders had produced a below-par performance against their fierce rivals, and had Paul Scholes sent off before snatching the win in the dying minutes when O’Shea tapped in after Liverpool goalkeeper Reina could only parry a Ronaldo free-kick.

The first half was evenly contested, with both sides looking solid in defence but neither offering a serious threat on goal. The first real opening came when a well-worked United move resulted in Evra cutting the ball back for Ronaldo to fire a left-footed shot wide from ten metres.

While Liverpool enjoyed the better of the possession and more of the match was played inside the United half, the visitors looked sharper going forward, and another swift move saw Larsson’s clever backheel set Ronaldo up to shoot wide from the edge of the box.

At the other end, Mark Gonzalez drew two comfortable saves from van Der Sar with a header and a long-range drive, while Riise’s ferocious free-kick flew inches wide of the post in what was the closest either side came to a breakthrough.

Positive Ronaldo running

United struggled to breach the home defence all afternoon, but Ronaldo again provided a performance worthy of his recent praise. The winger’s positive running and clever use of the ball was always a threat to the Liverpool defence, and only a well-timed Carragher challenge stopped the winger on another burst shortly before half time.

The second period was far more one-sided, as Liverpool put the visitors under pressure from the opening whistle. Gerrard blazed wide from inside the box before van Der Sar saved from Bellamy, who then had a goal ruled out for offside, as United struggled to get out of their own half.

Riise again threatened from distance as Alex Ferguson was forced to switch United’s formation and introduce Silvestre to combat the waves of Liverpool attacks. Things then got worse for the league leaders when Rooney was forced off with a nasty cut to the thigh.

It became increasingly clear that United were playing for a draw, although they may have taken the lead against the run of play when substitute Saha was denied a clear penalty after Daniel Agger made contact with his standing leg inside the area.

United’s hopes took a further blow when Scholes was dismissed with five minutes remaining. The midfielder reacted angrily to a foul from Alonso, and while his flailing arm did not make contact with the Spaniard, the intent was enough for referee Martin Atkinson to issue a red card.

As was the case before United’s late winner last weekend, goalkeeper van Der Sar kept them in the game with a superb save. A deep cross found Liverpool substitute Crouch at the back post and he took a touch before attempting to place his shot into the far corner, only for the Dutchman to react with a double-handed stop.

United stole the points in stoppage time, with Ronaldo playing a major role in the goal as United were awarded a free-kick just wide of the Liverpool box. The former Sporting star whipped a trademark cross-shot into the goalmouth, which Reina could only push out to O’Shea, who sidefooted into the root of the net.

Liverpool:
Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko (Crouch 79), Gonzalez (60 Aurelio), Kuyt, Bellamy (Pennant 69)
Yellow Cards: Alonso (41), Carragher (72)

Man Utd:
Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Silvestre 63), Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney (O'Shea 73), Larsson (Saha 67)
Yellow Cards: Carrick (43), Neville (81)
Red Cards: Scholes (86)

Goals:
[0-1] O’Shea, 91