Liverpool started the game brightly and created openings through the excellent crossing of Emiliano Insua. Firstly Paul Anderson missed a decent chance after connecting with an Insua cross and then Craig Lindfield and Jordy Brouwer both headed good crosses over the bar.
United took an undeserved lead after 25 minutes from a free kick but Liverpool responded superbly and continued to carve the Mancs apart. Only the finishing touch was missing.
Anderson, Brouwer and Ryan Flynn all saw good chances missed or saved before captain Jack Hobbs came closest to an equaliser all night when his header came back off the bar.