A famous day for Forlan By The Insider He's had his critics - my, has he had his critics - but whatever Diego Forlan achieves throughout the rest of his Manchester United career, surely nothing will surpass this day. Forlan can't believe his luck after the extraordinary opener (GaryMPrior/GettyImages) Indeed, if the much-maligned and frequently mocked Uruguayan achieves nothing else in a Red Devils shirt, he will always be remembered fondly by supporters who today simply could not contain their joy at the final whistle.
His intervention twice in three minutes, after an hour of stalemate, will go down as perhaps the defining moments of his career as he fired United to a 2-1 victory over their fiercest of rivals. This wasn't reminiscent of the vintage performances United have produced here at Anfield in the past. However, although it may have been scrappy and at times sloppy, Sir Alex Ferguson and his players deserve enormous credit for this superb result and a disciplined performance. It also ended Liverpool's four game (five if you include the Charity Shield) winning run against United. Since winning at Old Trafford in December 2000, Liverpool have held the upper hand in two years but their bid to challenge United's modern-day superiority in meetings between the clubs � the Merseysiders failed to beat United for five years until two years ago � has now ended. The horrendous weather beforehand was replaced by sunshine by kick- off time but that seemed the only bright note for a United squad down to the bare bones. Flu ruled out Juan Veron while Laurent Blanc � who missed this fixture with flu last season � was still sidelined by a groin strain. With such an injury-hit squad, Gary Neville � booed relentlessly for disparaging comments against Liverpudlians in the past - had to be rushed back, although Ryan Giggs was named captain. If Neville still had a bit to prove to his employers after his error in the Manchester derby three weeks ago, he did so this afternoon. In contrast, Liverpool had an embarrassment of riches and, on paper, the much stronger line-up. Stephane Henchoz made his first league start in nearly two months to renew his successful partnership with Sami Hyypia. The Merseysiders had to show more urgency than in their UEFA Cup tie in Arnhem on Thursday night. Inside the first two minutes, Milan Baros brought a fine save from Fabien Barthez but chances were at a premium throughout the half. Jerzy Dudek saved well from an awkward-looking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shot and Vladimir Smicer bent an effort narrowly past the post. As you would expect for an encounter of this magnitude, some of the tackles were fierce. Danny Murphy, United's nemesis in recent years, was playing well in midfield and Liverpool were disappointed that they failed to get two free-kicks, from Murphy and Dietmar Hamann, on target. At half-time, a main talking point had been the performance of referee Alan Wiley. Michael Owen escaped punishment after a late challenge on Gary Neville which was deserving of a caution and the Liverpool striker got away with the luck of St Michael with an even worse challenge on the same player in the second half. The first goal was always likely to prove crucial in determining the outcome of the match. United wasted a good opportunity nine minutes after the re-start when Forlan ran into trouble after being released by Giggs. However, out of nothing, the deadlock was broken when Forlan scored what will almost certainly turn out to be the simplest goal of his life. Sami Hyypia bags Liverpool's goal (LaurenceGriffiths/GettyImages) Dudek, fielding the ball like an England cricketer, allowed Jamie Carragher's header to slip through his hands and legs. Forlan couldn't believe it and the recriminations for Dudek could just be beginning. With Solskjaer and the disciplined Fortune both struggling with injuries but manfully playing on, it was important United held their lead. Instead, almost immediately, they doubled it. Forlan confidently cut inside and smashed the ball past Dudek to stun Liverpool and signal sheer elation amongst the loud visiting hordes. Neville made a vital clearance to stop Owen from reducing the arrears although skipper Sami Hyypia did eight minutes from time when, despite a suspicion of handball, he blasted a left-foot shot low past Barthez after good work by substitute El Hadj Diouf. The Kop came to life and it looked all odds-on 2-2 until Barthez produced a world class save, tipping Hamann's 30-yard blockbuster onto the post. A Barthez mistake clinched a 3-1 victory for Liverpool in this corresponding fixture last season. This time, the French number one produced a stunning save to clinch his side the points they deserved. A wonderful result for Manchester United and their fans who will never forget the day they went to Anfield with half their players missing � and won. Quote of the match: Sir Alex Ferguson (looking ahead to next week's clash with Arsenal) 'It will be very much the same team as today. Nobody will be back for that. It's easy to pick.' Man of the match: Manchester United, From 1 to 11, they deserve credit for achieving a result against all the odds. Moan of the match: The fact Dudek will now be castigated up and down the country. Yes, it was an awful error � his third in as many weeks � but he was the best keeper in the Premiership last season and some fans have short memories. Moment of the match: Forlan's second goal. The finish of a player with confidence. Chant of the match: 'Gary Neville is a red, he hates Scousers' � and they will hate him even more now. Atmosphere: Hostile at times but it was the United fans who were particularly on song. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] with your thoughts. Buy all the latest Liverpool kit and merchandise in the Soccernet Store with 10% discount on all purchases! Subscription info WWW http://red11.org/list Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] = subscribe to the list. 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