Anderson scoops award

Anderson saw off the threat of Steven Gerrard at Anfield and then did the same to Owen Hargreaves and Rio Ferdinand to be voted ManUtd.com's Man of the Match.

The Brazilian midfielder was outstanding on Sunday alongside Owen Hargreaves. And it speaks volumes of how influential the 19-year-old was that he his central midfield partner and, especially Ferdinand, who was a colossal figure at the back for the Reds.

Anderson showed strength on the ball, maturity beyond his tender years, discpline in his positional play and excellent execution in his passing.

It certainly caught the eye of ManUtd.com readers. A commanding 35 per cent of voters said Anderson was the star player in the 1-0 win.

Hargreaves finished second with 21 per cent of the votes, while Rio came in with 17 per cent in third place. United's goalscorer Carlos Tevez was fourth (11 per cent), narrowly ahead of Patrice Evra (10 per cent).

Aside from individual praise, victory would not have been possible had the team not worked so efficiently together. From Rooney's tireless work in attack to Nemanja Vidic's defensive dominance, the vital win at Anfield was largely a result of the Reds' team ethic.