Carlos Tevez's first-half winner gave Manchester United a priceless victory at title rivals Liverpool. Tevez was lurking to turn in Wayne Rooney's driven shot from a Ryan Giggs corner three minutes before half-time.
Liverpool had earlier come close, but Patrice Evra scrambled Harry Kewell's shot off the line and Fernando Torres sent a header inches wide.
Rooney wasted a great chance to double United's lead late on, but he side-footed wide from only six yards.
It made uncomfortable viewing for Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, at Anfield before their summit meeting with boss Rafael Benitez after their recent disagreements.
The defeat leaves the Merseysiders outside the top four and nine points behind arch rivals United. (BBC Sport)
Carlos Tevez's first-half winner gave Manchester United a priceless victory at title rivals 