Rio Stars as Silvestre Salvo Secures Victory

By David Hobbs
September 21 2004

Manchester United have secured a vital 3 points thanks to headed goals in each half from Mikael Silvestre to see off arch-rivals Liverpool at fortress Old Trafford on Monday night. Rio Ferdinand made an instant impact on his first game back since his drugs ban 8 months ago.

Rio Stars as Silvestre Salvo Secures Victory

Manchester United have secured a vital 3 points thanks to headed goals in each half from Mikael Silvestre to see off arch-rivals Liverpool at fortress Old Trafford on Monday night.

Rio Ferdinand made an instant impact on his first game back since his drugs ban 8 months ago, keeping his defence solid.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard wasn't even on the substitute bench, leaving Roy Carroll a chance to earn a permanent spot in-between the sticks. Spaniard Ricardo was on the bench along with Alan Smith.

The Red Devils got the game off to a ferocious start, going gung-ho and putting immense pressure on Rafa Beintez's side from the kick-off.

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo came inches close to opening the deadlock minutes in, serving past Liverpool's hapless defence to watch his drilled shot bounce off the post.

United kept the momentum going throughout the interval, dominating the game and enjoying the possession.

The deadlock was finally and deservedly broken by the home side 18 minutes in courtesy of a Ryan Giggs's pin-point cross. Giggs's in-swinging ball from the right was met at the far post by Mikael Silvestre.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side continued to press even after opener. Ronaldo went close with a volley before Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze both had their respective headed attempts saved by Dudek.

Steven Gerrard had to be substituted at half time due to injury.

A Liverpool cross trickled in off John O'Shea into Roy Carroll's net to make it 1-1, early in the second period.

But United restored their well-worked lead afterwards. Ryan Giggs marked his 600th United appearance with a 2nd assist of the night when his ball found Mikael Silvestre, again, in the box.

Xavi Alonso could have pulled it level with a cheeky lob from the half way line, but Carroll recovered well.

United know sit in 8th position in the league, level with Aston Villa who are just in-front.

Full Time - Manchester United 2 - Liverpool 1

Manchester United: Carroll, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Keane, Giggs, Scholes, van Nistelrooy

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan, Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell, Luis Garcia, Cisse