Ferdinand back for United

Manchester United brought back goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and defender Rio Ferdinand after groin and back injuries respectively for the Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Alex Ferguson also had old hands Paul Scholes and skipper Ryan Giggs back for this north-west grudge match, where victory would increase their lead at the top of the table to six points ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea later today.

Liverpool, who have never won a league game against United under boss Rafael Benitez, were able to name an unchanged side – a rarity in the Anfield boss’ rotation system this season.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Hargreaves, Nani, O’Shea, Tevez.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun, Crouch.

Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)