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ROBIN VAN PERSIE was spot on as Manchester United downed 10-man Liverpool at Anfield. On a day when both teams paid tribute to the 96 fans killed at Hillsborough, the Reds were determined to pick up three points against their arch-rivals. The pre-match pleasantries came and went without any problems as Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra put their fued behind them by shaking hands. Brendan Rodgers saw his side dominate possession in the first half but could only look on in disbelief when Jonjo Shelvey lost his head and was red-carded for a poor tackle on Jonny Evans. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Liverpool broke the deadlock through skipper Steven Gerrard. The midfielder's sweet left-foot effort came just 60 seconds after the interval and the Anfield faithful did all they could to roar their side to victory. But the hosts were pegged back when Rafael curled home a screamer just minutes later and Van Persie's penalty sealed the points late on. With emotions running high on Merseyside, Liverpool were dealt a major blow six minutes before the break when Shelvey saw red for a lunging tackle on Evans. TV replays later showed the challenge from Evans was just as reckless, but it was Shelvey who made contact with his opponent�s leg. The Reds midfielder gave Rio Ferdinand a mouthful before leaving the pitch and also blasted Alex Ferguson as he headed down the tunnel, leaving Fergie to shrug off the outburst with a smile. Although they were a man down, it was the hosts who took the lead a minute after the break through Gerrard. Glen Johnson�s run into the box was brought to an end by Paul Scholes, but his intervention sent the ball to Gerrard and he volleyed home after taking the ball on his chest. The goal sparked United into life and they were quickly level. Rafael may not be known for his ability with his left boot but his �weaker� foot delivered a superb curling strike which left Pepe Reina well beaten in the 51st minute. Play swung from end to end after the equaliser but United went ahead thanks to a lung-busting run from Valencia. The winger beat Johnson to the ball on the halfway line and raced into the Liverpool box before the right-back sent him sprawling as he was about to pull the trigger. Van Persie picked the ball up after ref Mark Halsey pointed to the spot but was left waiting until Daniel Agger had left the pitch on a stretcher and replaced by Jamie Carragher before taking the penalty. But the delay did not deter the Dutchman and he drilled the ball home despite Reina's best efforts to keep it out.iverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Agger (Carragher 80), Johnson, Gerrard, Allen, Shelvey, Borini (Fernandez Saez 46), Suarez, Sterling (Henderson 66). Subs not used: Jones, Jose Enrique, Sahin, Assaidi. Sent off: Shelvey (39). Booked: Reina. Goals: Gerrard 46. Man Utd: Lindegaard, Rafael (Welbeck 89), Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Valencia, Kagawa (Hernandez 81), Nani (Scholes 46), Van Persie. Subs not used: De Gea, Anderson, Cleverley, Buttner. Booked: Scholes, Van Persie. Goals: Da Silva 51, Van Persie 81 pen. Att: 44,263