Dirk Kuyt's late goal helped Liverpool eliminate a second Manchester side from a major cup competition in four days as they saw off United 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
It was a sweet moment for Kenny Dalglish's side after their win over City in the Carling Cup semi-finals in midweek and against a background of heightened tensions between the two bitter rivals following Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra.
Daniel Agger opened the scoring with a 21st-minute header for the hosts but Park Ji-sung equalised six minutes before the break and a replay looked on the cards until Kuyt grabbed the winner two minutes from time.
Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, praised the attitude of players and fans alike at Anfield.
There were few flashpoints in the game, as Liverpool made it two cup victories in three days, having reached the Carling Cup final in midweek at the expense of Manchester City.
“It was a fantastic effort from our players after what they had to get through on Wednesday night,” Dalglish said.
“Their commitment, attitude and desire to get a result was fantastic and we cannot speak highly enough of them after that performance and result today.”
Evra was booed throughout by Liverpool fans but nothing untoward happened inside the ground. “I think both sets of fans were a magnificent advert for their clubs,” Dalglish said.
