Wes Brown had headed United ahead after 34 minutes before Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Javier Mascherano, booked earlier, was sent off for dissent just before half-time.

Liverpool fought gamely after the break but Cristiano Ronaldo and then Nani inflicted deeper wounds.

United sent on Carlos Tevez and Nani for Giggs and Anderson after 73 minutes, and it took another wonder save from Reina stopped Tevez close in.

Liverpool were then incensed by a Michael Carrick challenge on Torres, right in front of Benitez which Bennett did not penalise – further enraging the Anfield boss.

United, though, were in no mood to let Liverpool escape. After 79 minutes Ronaldo headed home a Nani corner and two minutes later Nani created space for himself on the edge of the box to blast in the third.