The Match: Reds Respond

Here’s our analysis of the Capital One Cup win over the Merseysiders...

The match Forget about talk of how much the League Cup means to the top clubs – this was a rousing affair at a noisy Old Trafford with both sides going all out to reach the fourth round. After defeats at Anfield and the Etihad, painfully so on Sunday, there may have been pressure on United but the response was emphatic. After a tight first half, Javier Hernandez struck from Wayne Rooney's corner seconds after the restart and both sides hit the woodwork, while David De Gea and Simon Mignolet made stunning saves.

Goals Just the one but how sweet that Chicharito, so often the scourge of the two Merseyside clubs, should get it. This was his chance to shine after being patient and he took it, losing Jose Enrique to flick out a leg and convert Rooney's corner.

Subplot Luis Suarez's return from a lengthy absence and a summer of headlines about his future received inevitable focus but, for United, this was all about bouncing back from Sunday's derby disaster. Rooney was handed the captaincy ahead of Ryan Giggs, which surprised some supporters, and it's worth remembering Liverpool were determined to go far in this competition because they are not in Europe.

Star men There were fine performances in red shirts throughout the team but centre-backs Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans were immense. Rooney continued his fine form with another accomplished display and special mention must go to De Gea for a couple of top-class saves.

Opposition Liverpool may have lost at home to Southampton at the weekend but they have started the season well and passed the ball around with confidence; Steven Gerrard remains the hub of much of their approach work. Enrique performed well at left-back in the first half but crucially lost Chicharito, while Suarez clearly adds a threat in attack.

Move of the match Giggs made one marvellous interception to frustrate Daniel Sturridge and sparked a move that led to Hernandez and Nani feeding Rooney. The striker clipped a first-time pass to Nani but his cross was too close to Mignolet.

In the stands Any cup tie between the two clubs, with an increased allocation for the away fans, virtually guarantees a top-notch atmosphere and this occasion was no exception. The travelling supporters' ribbing of David Moyes in the first half was followed by vociferous backing from the Old Trafford faithful for the new boss. 'We're on the march with Moyes' army', they sang, and they were right – marching into the fourth round of the competition.