Rio Relishes Result

Rio Ferdinand knows exactly what victory against Liverpool on Sunday meant to United fans.

The Reds defender, who was among United's best in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford, told MUTV: "We’ve given our fans the bragging rights as they go back to work this week. It's always nice to get a result against Liverpool, especially after the last few games against them."

The win wasn't exactly routine, though. Fernando Torres headed the visitors in front after just five minutes. And even after Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park had put Sir Alex's men 2-1 up, the Spanish striker fluffed a late chance to salvage a point from the match.

"We’ve been defending very well of late so to concede a goal after five minutes in such a big game was disappointing, " Rio admitted. "But after the first goal I thought we got to grips with Liverpool and stopped the supply to Torres.

"The way we came back, picked ourselves up and took the game to Liverpool, speaks volumes of the talent we have in our squad."

The Reds wasted little time in pegging back the early deficit. Just seven minutes after going behind, Wayne Rooney equalised when Pepe Reina's penalty save presented Rooney with a second bite at the cherry. Liverpool players were indignant at the award of the spot-kick, but Ferdinand says United had their own frustrations over the incident.

"Regardless of whether or not it was inside or outside the box, I think it should have been a red card," he said. "I think he [Javier Mascherano] got off lightly.

"Antonio Valencia was through on goal and I don’t think anybody was going to get back to stop him shooting. For me, that’s a red card."

The deciding goal arrived on the hour mark courtesy of Ji-sung Park. He showed real bravery to convert Darren Fletcher's cross with a textbook diving header.

"Ji has been phenomenal recently," Ferdinand said. "He’s a player who’s probably appreciated a bit more by his team-mates than some of the pundits and the media."Now, however, I think people are starting to see what a talented player he is. Maybe that's only because he’s scoring goals, but we’ve always appreciated him. He’s a top man and a top player."