Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1

Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick as Liverpool beat Manchester United 3-1 at Anfield.

On the day when £35million record signing Andy Carroll finally made his long-awaited debut after injury, it was the Dutchman who provided the necessary firepower against their arch-rivals.

Kuyt struck twice in five minutes before the interval before adding his third midway through the second half, before Javier Hernandez headed a late consolation in a typically fiery but entertaining encounter.

Luis Suarez was impressive for the Reds and the Uruguay international had one early effort prodded at Edwin van der Sar but that was merely a precursor to a piece of brilliance to set up the opener.

When he collected the ball on the left of the penalty area his route to goal was blocked by a number of opponents but his quick feet saw him weave past Rafael, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown on his way to the byline.

From there he squared the ball through Edwin Van der Sar's legs to present Kuyt with a tap-in from just inches.

Dimitar Berbatov volleyed Wayne Rooney's knockdown against the outside of Jose Reina's right-hand post. but soon after Liverpool doubled their advantage.

Nani inexplicably headed the Uruguayan's cross back into his own six-yard area where Kuyt gleefully nodded in.

Van der Sar was at fault in the 65th minute when he spilled Suarez's free-kick and his compatriot Kuyt knocked in the rebound.

Hernandez scored a late headed consolation from Giggs' cross in added time but it hardly raised a cheer among the visiting fans.