John O'Shea came off the bench to score in the dying seconds and lead Manchester United to a fortunate 1-0 away victory over Liverpool in the Premiership on Saturday. The result maintained United's position on top of the league table with 72 points, 12 clear of second-placed and title holders Chelsea who face Portsmouth later on Saturday. The Red Devils produced a below-par performance and were outplayed for much of the game by a competent Liverpool side who were unlucky not to grab any positive result. The first half didn't witness any real chances but it was the hosts who were much closer to break the deadlock as Daniel Agger's pile drive went just over the bar. John Arne Riise then swerved a 20-yard low Free-kick which went inches wide of the post. United had to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo's pace as their main source of danger, and the Portuguese winger burst from the right, racing through two Liverpool defenders only to find the superb Jamie Carragher whose brave intervention cleared the danger.
Van der Sar brilliantly blocked Crouch's effort The England international full-back continued his impressive defending with another tackle to deny Wayne Rooney who was through on goal. Craig Bellamy almost put the hosts ahead early in the second-half after poking home close range but his goal was ruled out for offside. The Reds continued their domination in terms of possession and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was worried to see his lone striker Rooney limping off as a result of a fierce Carragher challenge which left the England striker with a bad cut in his right knee. He was replaced by Irish midfielder O'shea. United were reduced to ten men after Paul Scholes aimed a punch to Xabi Alonso's face to receive his marching orders despite making no contact with the Spaniard. The visitors had to thank Van der Sar for maintaining the stalemate after he produced a magnificent save to deny Peter Crouch who was about three yards away from the Dutch keeper's goal. In stoppage time, Cristiano Ronaldo's free kick was poorly blocked by Liverpool keeper Jose Reina into the path of O'Shea, who notched into the roof of the net to seal the precious victory for United.
