FA Cup: Manchester United beat Liverpool

Old Trafford: A second-minute Ryan Giggs penalty and a red card for Steven Gerrard ensured a frustrating return for Kenny Dalglish as Manchester United beat Liverpool 1-0 in their FA Cup third-round clash at Old Trafford.

The penalty and 32nd-minute dismissal of Liverpool`s captain enabled United to cruise through to a fourth-round away game with League Two (third division) Southampton and spoil the comeback of Dalglish, who replaced Roy Hodgson on Saturday. Holders Chelsea progressed with a 7-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge and will visit Everton, while Tottenham Hotspur beat League One (third division) Charlton Athletic 3-0 and Manchester City were held 2-2 at Leicester City. The match at Old Trafford was already the stand-out tie of the third round but the return of Dalglish added extra spice. However, all the hopes pinned by Liverpool fans on "King Kenny" lasted about 30 seconds as recalled centre back Daniel Agger tripped Dimitar Berbatov and Giggs rammed home the penalty. The 9,000 travelling fans continued to give noisy support and helped produce a terrific atmosphere but they were silenced again when Gerrard was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on fellow England midfielder Michael Carrick. Johnny Evans smacked a header against a post just before halftime, Javier Hernandez nodded inches wide just after and both men went close during a mad scramble on the hour as United searched for the second. The 11-times winners could not find it but Liverpool were unable to muster any threat."I think the most important thing for us was that we got a great deal of effort and commitment," Dalglish told reporters. "They had enthusiasm and endeavour for the cause, which was helped and matched by the supporters who came along here. If we get everyone pulling in the one direction we are going to have a good chance of improving things."The two decisions are important factors in the game, added Dalglish, who said he disagreed with both. "But it`s fantastic to be back." Bureau Report