Liverpool started the game the brighter and soon tested the United keeper when Paul Anderson fired just over the bar. The Reds took an early grip on the game with Danny Guthrie dominating in midfield. Guthrie twice came close to opening the scoring himself after some fine individual play.
Man Utd tried to create chances for themselves but they found it impossible to break down a very impressive Liverpool back four. James Smith, Godwin Antwi, Miki Roque and Antonio Barragan were in complete command at the back and David Martin in the Liverpool goal had very little to do.
The Reds continued to attack in the second half with Gowin Antwi, Paul Anderson and subsitute Ramon Castille all having chances to open the scoring before Barragan made the breakthrough.
The winning goal was a powerful strike from 20 yards out that the United keeper managed to get a hand to but failed to keep out.
Liverpool continued to press and only some good goalkeeping denied Castille from adding a second.