Manchester United v Liverpool - in pictures

Fernando Torres, chastened by criticism of his recent performances, looks sombre as he warms up in the pouring rain before the match. The Spaniard's display against Birmingham City last week was described as "diabolical" by Jamie Redknapp. Torres will be keen to rediscover the form which saw him torment Nemanja Vidic on this ground two seasons ago when Liverpool won 4-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins

From one beleaguered striker to another; Wayne Rooney's troubles have been as grave on the field as they have off it of late. Rooney has scored just once for his club since March and been dogged by allegations of extra-marital affairs. No wonder, then, that he looks equally glum Photograph: Tom Jenkins

United's expectant fans wait for kick-off. Three points today would lift them into second place at the expense of Arsenal. However, Liverpool have won three of the last four meetings between these sides and are in desperate need of a victory themselves Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Steven Gerrard and Vidic lead out their respective sides. Joe Cole is included in the starting 11 for Liverpool, but Rio Ferdinand is not even on the bench for United Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Christian Poulsen attempts to thwart Dimitar Berbatov as United boss the early exchanges Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But the Bulgarian remains a menace Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Vidic climbs above Jamie Carragher at a corner Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Liverpool are being overrun in midfield. Here, Darren Fletcher evades a tackle from Poulsen as the hosts burst forward Photograph: Tom Jenkins

After heading United into the lead in the 42nd minute, Berbatov eyes an ambition second when Nani's cross finds him in the centre of the box ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Having brought the ball down on his knee, he arcs a sublime overhead kick towards goal Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Carragher is helpless, so too is Pepe Reina. The ball loops beyond both of them and goes into the goal off the underside of the bar Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It's been a prodigious start to the season for Berbatov. That was his fifth goal in five games Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Five minutes later, an awful challenge by Jonny Evans gifts the visitors a penalty. Evans scythed through Torres after being duped by the Spaniard's artful turn inside the penalty box. Gerrard sends Edwin Van der Sar the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Even with the addition of a seven-man wall, Gerrard is able to repeat the trick, side-footing a free-kick into the bottom corner from the edge of the box just six minutes later Photograph: Tom Jenkins

At 2-2, United and Liverpool are both gambling for a winner. Here, Carragher is beaten in the air again by Berbatov ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The ball plunges towards the bottom corner and Reina cannot prevent it crossing the line. United are 3-2 up; Berbatov has scored a hat-trick! Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Martin Skrtel is kind enough to help his pained opponent, Nani, when cramp sets in Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Sir Alex Ferguson watches anxiously from the touchline as United try to ride out four minutes of injury time. After recent collapses against Fulham and Everton, the United boss knows the points are not yet safe Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But United hold on for a 3-2 victory. Liverpool's dejected players trudge off at the end, with Gerrard and Skrtel looking particularly miffed Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Ferguson is a happy man; Hodgson less so. Despite a gallant comeback, Liverpool have been beaten by the brilliance of United's mercurial No9, Berbatov Photograph: Tom Jenkins