REPORT: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

In the 183rd North West Derby, Manchester United slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

Park celebrates United's only goal

Daniel Agger headed the hosts into an early lead but, five minutes before halftime, Ji-Sung Park coolly stroked the Reds level, however, Dirk Kuyt scored the winning goal three minutes before time.

Despite being the better team for much of the game, United exited the FA Cup far too early, and Liverpool march on to the Fifth Round draw.

From United's last game - a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium - Sir Alex Ferguson made four changes - three of them down to injury. Phil Jones, Nani and Wayne Rooney all missed the trip to Anfield with knocks picked up from the previous game and they were replaced by Rafael, Park and Scholes. Meanwhile, de Gea starts in goal for the first time in 2012, and he was absolutely spectacular in United's 1-1 Premier League draw against Liverpool back in October. It should have never been up for debate, but Evra not only starts, but will lead out Manchester United, as he goes back to the place where he was racially abused by Luis Suarez, who is still serving an eight-match suspension for that.

Recap
Like every other game between these two clubs, the game had chances for both teams in the opening 10 minutes.

In the fourth minute, the first chance of the match fell to the home side, but de Gea stood made a very good save to parry Rodriguez's dipping shot out of harm's way for a corner kick. Four minutes later, United had a chance of their own, but Giggs' shot from the edge of the area was drilled straight into the chest of Pepe Reina.

In the 17th minute, Liverpool cleared a free-kick from a dangerous position but, with them pushing out, Valencia drove at them and struck an absolutely thunderous effort that thudded against Reina's right post.

Like what normally happens in football when you don't take your chance, Liverpool took the lead at the other end. Jose Enrique decided to try test his luck from distance but Smalling head the ball clear and, from the resulting corner, Agger rose highest and headed the ball into the back of the net.

Despite going down a goal, United were completely bossing the game - and that finally turned into a goal five minutes before halftime. Rafael, who was defending so well, got involved the attack down the right and his cut-back cross was smashed inside the near post by Park - who non-existent for much of the game until then.

Within a five minute span in the second half, the referee, Mark Halsley, correctly waved away two shouts for handling of the ball - and he should receive full credit for that.

After the second correct non-call, United had a golden chance to pounce on a mistake by Reina but, unfortunately, Welbeck's touch was a little too heavy and Liverpool were able to clear the danger.

In a minute span, the teams traded long-range efforts, but neither found the back of the net. First, Rafael blocked off Downing for no reason and Gerrard's free-kick was well saved by a flying save by de Gea to his right. Then, at the other end, Carrick had space to get off a shot, but his left-footed effort went just wide of Reina's left post.

In the 87th minute, completely against the run play, Liverpool retook the lead. A long clearnace by Reina was flicked on by Carroll and Kuyt beat Evra and slotted the ball passed de Gea.

Two minutes later, Liverpool could have sealed the game, but Carroll's header struck the crossbar and and Kuyt's follow up went inches wide of the post.

Three minutes were added on, but Manchester United could not get the ball forward and they exited the FA Cup prematurely.

Team
de Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes (Hernandez 76'), Giggs (Berbatov 90'+), Park; Welbeck

Goals
Park 39'

Statistics
Possession: 57%
Corners: 1
Shots (On Target): 9 (3)
Fouls Conceded (Suffered):
Discipline: Rafael
Attendance: 43,952