Fernando Torres is a biscuit, plus nine other things we learned from watching Liverpool v Man United
It was the game the whole country was watching. Could Liverpool get back on track? Would Rafa Benitez be facing the sack if his side lost again? Would a beach ball score the winner?
All those questions were answered, but what else did we learn at Anfield ask MirrorFootball's Richard Aikman and Ian Cruise?
1) Sir Alex Ferguson still loves those mind games of his. Claiming key trio Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Edwin Van der Sar were all doubtful to start the match, imagine our surprise when all three made the starting XI at Anfield. Do you think Rafa was shocked as well?
2) Andy Gray remains the top dog in football punditry. "A team that loses five of their first 10 league matches cannot expect to win the Premier League," said the canny Scot. That's why he gets paid the big bucks, y'know.
3) Steven Gerrard looks much better on the pitch than he does off it. Hooded leather jackets are SO last season, dahling...
4) Jamie Carragher visited the HMS Invincible in the build-up to this match. MirrorFootball assumes it was to remind him what a ship that isn't sinking looks like.
5) There was much wit and wisdom on show prior to kick-off. United fans donned Eric Cantona masks to taunt their rivals, while both sets of supporters delighted in the ironic throwing off beach balls onto the pitch. We're told that's what passes for wit and wisdom these days, anyway.
6) Sir Fergie made a surprise early substitution, bringing on a beach ball for Dimitar Berbatov after eight minutes. OK, he didn't, but he might as well have done.
7) Torres has received many complimentary remarks during his time at Anfield, but this one surely takes the, err, cake. When he netted Liverpool's first goal, Mirror Sport's resident Scouser leapt to his feet to exclaim: "Get in there, ya biscuit!" Answers on a postcard please...
8) The crowd at Anfield are well-known for giving their former heroes a rousing reception on their return. Unless you're name is Mr M Owen, it would appear.
9) Talking of Owen, he may have lost a yard of pace over the years but he still had two yards too many for Jamie Carragher.
10) Nemanja Vidic must love playing against Liverpool. He might not win that often, but he always gets first crack at the hot water.
What did you learn from watching Liverpool v Manchester United? Sign in below and let us know...
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