Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's huge crunch match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford as the two rivals do battle for the 193rd time. It is still the biggest fixture in English, and arguably world football, and both sides will be desperate for a victory in the first game back after the international break here. Team news is expected in around an hour, but let's get our bumper coverage started with a look at the home side...

United have made a rather unconvincing start to the new Premier League season, with questions being raised over how much progress the team has made so far under Louis van Gaal. They have amassed seven points from their opening four games, which is by no means a terrible return but already puts them five points adrift of Manchester City - a gap that could grow to eight by the time this game kicks off today.

The Red Devils began their campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur, kicking off the brand new season with the early game on the opening day of the campaign. It was an even contest for the most part, but a Kyle Walker own goal proved to be the difference as United came away with a slender victory. They made it six points from six the following Friday with another 1-0 victory, although they again failed to truly convince, with the win being sealed courtesy of a deflected Adnan Januzaj strike.

Their 100% record came to an end against Newcastle United in their third match of the season, although that was a match they really should have had wrapped up inside the opening 20 minutes. It was one-way traffic for Van Gaal's side in the opening exchanges, but they simply could not find a way through a stubborn Newcastle rearguard action. Indeed, the Magpies almost stole it late on when Thauvin was just short of connecting with Cisse's pass, while they had earlier hit the woodwork through Mitrovic. United no doubt deserved to win that match but, as it was, they may have been relieved to come out with a draw too.

Their first defeat of the season arrived last time out at the hands of Swansea, which was a big reason behind the questions over the team's progress. Van Gaal was overseeing his 50th game in charge of the club against the same opponents that he came up against in his first match, and the result was exactly the same. Despite dominating possession they failed to really control the match as Garry Monk's side came from a goal down to win 2-1 courtesy of strikes from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomez.

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United may feel that they deserved at least a point from that match against Swansea, but they didn't really do enough to get it. Clear chances were few and far between for the Red Devils, despite seeing a lot more of the ball than their hosts at the Liberty Stadium. When chances did crop up, such as for Rooney late on, they failed to make the most of them. Swansea have, admittedly, made a fine start to the season, but it was still a hugely disappointing result for United.

Andre Ayew's equalising header in that match was the first goal that an opposition player had scored against United this season, but it was swiftly followed by another five minutes later. Up until that quickfire double, the only goal United had conceded in any competition this term had been a Champions League own goal from Michael Carrick that did not prove costly, with Van Gaal's side keeping four clean sheets in their opening five games.

All of that, of course, has come without the services of David de Gea between the sticks for United. The saga over the Spaniard's future ran throughout the summer but, despite having months to push a deal through, somehow the paperwork was not submitted in time for him to complete his move to Real Madrid. It was an embarrassing situation for both clubs in truth, but at the end of the day United still have De Gea on their books, which must be seen as a positive outcome for them.

De Gea has since signed a new four-year contract with the club, completing a dramatic U-turn having been left out of the squad for the first six matches in all competitions. It remains to be seen whether that contract is simply a means for United to earn some money from Madrid if and when they come knocking again next summer, or perhaps in January, but it certainly suggests that he is right back in the mind of Van Gaal. De Gea is in contention to start this afternoon, although Van Gaal has kept his cards relatively close to his chest in that sense.

Even prior to the admin embarrassment, De Gea's future was talked about at length, and the manner of the second goal conceded against Swansea only exacerbated the situation. Sergio Romero, who in fairness has done relatively well as the number one so far this season, was beaten by a fairly tame Gomis shot at his near post and it is hard to imagine De Gea letting in such a soft goal in truth. Romero has not been tested too much on his way to his four clean sheets this season, and the fact that he didn't exactly impress when he was tested could leave his first-team chances in jeopardy.

The De Gea business was not the only notable action of United towards the end of the transfer window, though. Louis van Gaal had been urged to sign a new striker by the club's fans, but the eventual move came as something of a surprise as United splashed out an initial £36m fee for 19-year-old Anthony Martial. That figure, which could still significantly rise in the coming years, makes Martial the most expensive teenager in football history, and the pressure will surely be on the youngster now.

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Martial has been compared to his compatriot Thierry Henry, and if those bear fruit then £36m may not seem like so much money, but there is no doubt that it is a risk from Van Gaal. Martial is still very inexperienced at the top level having made just 52 senior league appearances in his career to date. To command such a big fee at this stage of his career is staggering and, while United have bought potential as much as they have bought a player to help them out this season, the price tag is sure to have all eyes on the youngster. You feel that he needs a good start to his career, and scoring today would be the perfect way to start.

The issue over depth in the final third has not exactly been addressed by Martial's arrival either. Van Gaal allowed Van Persie and Falcao to leave the club this summer, and in addition to the lack of goals at the start of the season, one reason behind the calls for a new striker to come in is to make sure Wayne Rooney wasn't their only senior option up top. Martial is not an out-and-out striker either - as his modest tally of 11 league goals is testament to - and the fact that United also let Hernandez and Januzaj leave makes Van Gaal's decision not to move for a front man all the more questionable. Should Rooney pick up a lengthy injury then they could be in trouble.

It is up front that they have struggled most this season. Rooney is the club's top scorer following his Champions League hat-trick, but he has been disappointing domestically so far, while Depay has also struggled to replicate his European form in the Premier League. Only three teams in the league have scored fewer this season, with one of their three strikes being an own goal too. At the back, only Man City have conceded fewer, but they need to start finding form in the final third.

While their performances have not been particularly convincing so far this season, United have managed to get results in their recent matches. The defeat to Swansea was their first in nine games, while in all competitions this season they have won four of their six outings. That includes a Champions League playoff double-header with Club Brugge, which they eventually won 7-1 on aggregate. A late Fellaini goal gave them a 3-1 victory in the home first leg, before they blew the Belgians away in the second, with Rooney scoring three in a 4-0 mauling that could, and should, have been more.

Their home form has been increasingly questionable of late, however. Van Gaal returned Old Trafford to something resembling a fortress last season following David Moyes's troubles at the ground, but United have now won just one of their last four league outings in front of their own fans, scoring only two goals. That follows a run of six consecutive victories and 11 wins in 12 games, and they will need to return to that sort of form if they are to launch a title challenge this season. They have four points from a possible six at home this season, but their performances have not been great.

United fans will certainly be hoping for a title challenge this season, or at least to keep pace with the likes of Man City for longer this time around, but Van Gaal has surprisingly ruled his side out of pushing for league honours. The Dutchman may be doing it to take the pressure off his side, but a club like United will always feel that they should be there or thereabouts come May, so to rule out a title challenge so early in the season is a strange move from the manager, particularly considering he has spent more than £250m since arriving at the club.

Van Gaal won't have the luxury of only focusing on the Premier League this season, although that is a scenario that he will be happy with. United return to the Champions League proper next week following a year out of the competition, with a trip to face PSV in the offing for the Red Devils. They were dealt what looks to be a relatively kind draw on paper, being put in a group alongside Wolfsburg - who have just lost star player Kevin de Bruyne to Man City, of course - and CSKA Moscow.

Victory over Liverpool today and a winning return to the Champions League would make this a memorable week for United, then, but all does not quite seem to be well behind the scenes at the club. According to reports, several players - including Rooney and Carrick - have confronted Van Gaal over his strict training regime, which they feel stifles their creativity and flair. The players are also thought to be unhappy with the Dutchman's treatment of Rafael when the right-back left the club this summer. Van Gaal is coming under pressure from inside the club, then, and a second consecutive defeat today could leave him facing questions from the outside too.

A good performance against the club's fiercest rivals would leave things looking a lot more positive, though. United have not conceded a home goal in the league so far this season, so they will be confident of keeping a goal-shy Liverpool at bay. As mentioned, though, it is at the other end of the field where they must improve. They have not scored themselves at Old Trafford in the league this season, with their own goal coming courtesy of Kyle Walker in the season opener.

TEAM NEWS: The team news is in for both sides, and the headline is that De Gea starts for United. Romero drops to the bench as a result, while there is also no place for skipper Wayne Rooney, who has failed to shake off a knock. Fellaini starts up front, with new boy Martial being forced to settle for a place on the bench. Carrick returns in central midfield, meanwhile, having overcome the calf problem that ruled him out of international duty. As for Liverpool, they make just the one change to their side as the suspended Philippe Coutinho is replaced by Danny Ings, who makes his full debut for the club alongside Benteke up front.

MAN UTD STARTING XI: De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Fellaini

MAN UTD SUBS: Romero, McNair, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Valencia, Young, Martial

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Lucas, Can, Milner; Firmino, Ings, Benteke

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Bogdan, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Origi, Rossiter, Ibe

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, there is only one place to start really as De Gea is brought in from the United wilderness to make his first appearance of the season. There is no doubting his ability, and he was always likely to oust Romero as the club's number one, but questions over his mental state were raised following the breakdown of his proposed move to Real Madrid. Van Gaal has trusted him with the gloves today, however, and he will no doubt be looking for a similar performance to the one he put in against Liverpool here last season, when he was outstanding.

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That man-of-the-match display was one of many that saw him named the club's player of the season for a second consecutive year last term, and it is fair to say that, without him in such inspired form, United may not have got Champions League football last season. He was responsible for a lot of points, particularly in the opening stages of the 2014-15 season when a makeshift and injury-ravaged defence handed their opponents chance after chance. However, De Gea has not kept a clean sheet in any of his last seven full Premier League games.

There is no change in the rest of the defence from Van Gaal as he keeps faith the a back four of Darmian, Smalling, Blind and Shaw, all of whom have impressed so far this season. Blind is perhaps seen as the weak link at the moment having only recently moved into centre-back, and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the power of Benteke today. His defensive shortcomings were exposed at times against Swansea and Gomis last time out, and Benteke is likely to pose a similar problem today. Alongside him, though, Smalling has been in fine form, while the full-backs have really impressed down either flank.

In midfield, Schneiderlin drops to the bench to make way for Carrick, who withdrew from the England squad earlier this week due to a calf injury but is deemed fit enough to start today. It is an interesting move from Van Gaal, with Carrick and Schweinsteiger the two to have swapped places so far this season. They will play alongside each other today, however. Schneiderlin can perhaps feel a little aggrieved at not being included as he hasn't done anything particularly wrong so far this season, but Van Gaal has perhaps gone for as much experience as possible for such a big game.

Those two sitting will mean that Ander Herrera continues in a more advanced midfield role, while Memphis and Mata will operate either side of him. The latter in particular enjoyed himself against Liverpool last season, scoring three goals in the two league meetings between the sides, including getting both in the 2-1 victory at Anfield. As for Memphis, he could really do with a big performance in the league as, with the exception of his display in the first leg of their Club Brugge playoff, he has struggled to live up to the hype so far.

The absence of Rooney is a notable one, particularly considering the skipper has been in the news all week having broken Sir Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record on Tuesday. He is just 16 short of Charlton in all competitions for United too, while his next league goal for the club would bring him level with Denis Law sitting third in the all-time list. He has not scored in his last 10 league games, however, and misses out today due to injury. Fellaini starts up front in his stead, which perhaps highlights the depth issue I mentioned earlier.

As for Liverpool, they have a few big names missing from their side too. Coutinho is absent through suspension, which is a major blow for a side who have struggled in the final third so far this season. The Brazilian has scored one of his side's two goals this season, but a rather harsh dismissal against West Ham last time out rules him out of this one. He joins the injured trio of Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and Adam Lallana in watching on from the sidelines today.

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Danny Ings is preferred to Jordon Ibe to replace Coutinho, although it remains to be seen whether that will alter the formation adopted by Brendan Rodgers. Ings isn't used to playing as one of the wide attackers, so he could slot in alongside Benteke in a two-man attack, with Firmino operating in the hole. That may leave Liverpool a bit narrow, but Rodgers has used a midfield diamond in the past with some success and could decide to do so again here.

Liverpool will be looking to Benteke to provide the goals today, with the summer signing having made a solid enough start to life at his new club. His power could really cause problems for the United defence, in particular Blind, who also has a sizeable disadvantage when it comes to height. United will no doubt look to get Smalling up against Benteke whenever possible, but the Belgian striker will surely try to target Blind. Benteke has scored in both of his last two appearances against United, and a third in a row today could prove pivotal.

Aside from Ings in for Coutinho there are no other changes for Liverpool from the side that was convincingly beaten by West Ham last time out. Lucas - so close to leaving the club in the summer - continues in midfield alongside Can and Milner, while at the back Gomez is once again preferred to Moreno at left-back. Dejan Lovren was at fault for the second Hammers goal last time out with a real howler, but Rodgers has kept faith with him here as he continues alongside Skrtel at the heart of the defence.

This fixture is always a huge one for both clubs, but the importance of it for Liverpool was cranked up by their defeat to West Ham last time out. Their start to the season was very similar to Manchester United's in truth, with two rather unconvincing 1-0 victories followed up by a goalless draw. That draw was Liverpool's best performance of the season to date, though, with only a magnificent display from Petr Cech, plus a little help from the woodwork, preventing the Reds from picking up all three points away to Arsenal.

Liverpool have only won one of their last seven Premier League away games, but they have looked decent on the road so far this season. They are yet to concede a goal and have taken four points from tricky assignments at Stoke and Arsenal. There are plenty of big tests to come, however, with Liverpool taking on United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in their next five away outings. That is a very difficult start to the campaign on the road but, on the other hand, they will have got the most difficult matches out of the way nice and early.

Like United, Liverpool need to improve in the final third having made a slow attacking start to the season. No team has scored fewer goals than the Reds in the opening four matches of the Premier League season, and those two goals came courtesy of a screamer and one that perhaps should have been disallowed for offside. They have, however, already hit the woodwork on a league-high five occasions, so they aren't a million miles away from finding the goals. On the flip side, only the two Manchester clubs have conceded fewer, with that 3-0 loss at the hands of West Ham the first game in which Liverpool had conceded this season.

Should they draw another blank today then it would be the third league game in a row in which they have failed to score - something which hasn't happened for more than 10 years. The dual threat of Ings and Benteke should give them more of a penalty-box presence this afternoon, but they are coming up against a side who have impressed at the back so far this season. These are the types of matches that Liverpool need to get something from if they are to challenge for the top four this season, though, and with the likes of Stoke and Crystal Palace improving too, another under-par campaign could see them sliding towards mid-table mediocrity.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at Old Trafford, which means that it is time for a prediction! This fixture rarely disappoints and I can see plenty of drama and action again today. Both sides will be desperate to bounce back from their losses before the international break, but the absences of key players are likely to harm both teams. They may well end up cancelling each other out here - I'm going to go for a 2-2 draw.

We were in disagreement on the Sports Mole sofa this week, with my colleague Pascal Lemesre predicting a home win today. Neither of us went for a Liverpool victory, so can the visitors surprise us today? Find out what we had to say about this game in our video preview below:

United have had the better of this fixture in recent seasons, winning five of their last seven meetings with their fierce rivals. That includes victories both home and away last season, with Juan Mata on the scoresheet in each match. The corresponding fixture to today's saw United run out 3-0 victors, although the scoreline only tells half of the story there, with De Gea needing to be in fine form to prevent Liverpool from drawing, or even winning, that match. They ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield in March too, a game that memorably saw Gerrard sent off within a minute of his half-time introduction and went a long way to ending Liverpool's Champions League hopes.

Here at Old Trafford, Liverpool have won just twice since 2004, although both of those victories were memorable ones by a three-goal difference. However, it is usually United fans who come away with the bragging rights from Old Trafford, winning seven of their last eight meetings with Liverpool here.

We're just about ready to get going here at Old Trafford as English football's two most successful teams prepare to do battle once again. Who will come out on top here?

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us underway for what is still the biggest game in the English football calendar. There is plenty riding on this match for both sides!

There were questions as to how Liverpool would line up in midfield today, and the early signs are that Rodgers has gone for a 4-3-3 formation as opposed to playing a diamond. Ings has started out on the left, with Firmino on the right.

United have seen the vast majority of the ball in these opening exchanges. Liverpool are struggling to keep hold of possession when they do get it, looking a little nervous with their passing too.

CHANCE! The first sight of goal falls to United courtesy of a big mistake from Mignolet. The keeper collects a lofted ball forward but then goes to roll it out early, only succeeding it throwing it straight at Mata. The loose ball breaks to Fellaini but, with Mignolet out of position, the Belgian puts his attempted lob well over.

More defensive madness from Liverpool as this time Skrtel gives the ball away in a dangerous position, allowing Memphis to bear down on goal. Liverpool eventually deal with the danger, but they are doing themselves no favours whatsoever at the moment.

United have started this match very confidently, which certainly can't be said for Liverpool. The visitors have been very slow out of the blocks here and right now they are being forced to weather a storm from a United side with their tails up.

Again United come forward, with Carrick sliding a lovely pass in to the marauding Darmian down the right flank. The full-back pulls a low ball into the penalty area, but Fellaini can't get a shot away before being dispossessed by Lucas.

Marginally better from Liverpool in the last couple of minutes as they stem some of the pressure that was starting to build. They simply haven't been able to keep the ball well enough so far, though.

A very nervous piece of defending from Clyne gifts United an unnecessary corner, from which they win another. Liverpool survive on both occasions, though, with two men being employed to mark Fellaini.

Liverpool are failing to put the likes of Carrick and Schweinsteiger under enough pressure in midfield, which is strange considering they should be able to push up with Fellaini's lack of pace providing the means to play a high line.

Liverpool have their first shot of the game, but De Gea is left still waiting for his first piece of action this season. Shaw initially did really well to win a header under pressure from Benteke, and Clyne sliced a shot wide from the edge of the box having raced on to the loose ball.

Good break from Memphis down the left flank as he picks the ball up before speeding past Skrtel on the outside. He tries to get a cross in, but Skrtel is able to recover in time to make the block, putting it behind for a corner.

United have enjoyed 63% of the possession so far but, despite being by far the better team in the opening 24 minutes, their only real sights of goal have come from Liverpool errors. Van Gaal will want to see a little more creativity from his side.

Speculative effort from Depay as he collects a short free kick before letting fly from a good 30 yards at least. He doesn't catch it right, however, and it ends up flying comfortably wide of the target.

Almost a chance for Liverpool as Firmino wins a header against Shaw to knock the ball in to Benteke on the edge of the box. The Belgian sets himself, but Blind is right there with him and gets a foot in before Benteke can pull the trigger.

Mignolet hasn't exactly inspired confidence so far today, but he does well here to come off his line and claim a free kick that was aimed for Fellaini. The United man is obviously a huge aerial threat in the box, so anything Mignolet can do to help his defence will be very important.

Liverpool have gained more of a foothold in this match now after a difficult opening 15-20 minutes. They are seeing more of the ball and are not camped in their own half as much, but United will still feel that they are on top here.

Benteke is looking very isolated up front for Liverpool right now. The visitors have played a lot of long balls up towards the Belgian, but it is so hard for him to bring it down and hold it up on his own against the United defence.

Good break from Liverpool as Lucas wins the ball and gives it to Can, who bursts forward from inside his own half. He delays his pass towards Benteke for just too long, however, and the Belgian strays offside as a result.

It must be said that there has been a dearth of real quality from both sides in this match. United have passed the ball nicely but don't seem to have a cutting edge in the final third to break Liverpool down, while the visitors have been pretty poor all over the pitch.

I said before the match that this fixture rarely disappoints, but this one really has so far. Much of the pre-match talk surrounded the De Gea situation, but as yet the United keeper remains untested.

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Almost a chance for United as Shaw stands a cross into the middle that is just too high for Herrera. It drops to Fellaini inside the box, but the Belgian's touch is poor and Liverpool are able to clear.

Almost a shocker from MIgnolet as he nearly allows a Can pass to creep past him for an own goal. There have been a number of those nervy defensive movements for the visitors so far, but United have been unable to capitalise.

Lucas gets a talking-to from Michael Oliver, who leaves him in no doubt that one more foul will see him go into the book. The Brazilian has made quite a few untidy challenges today.

There will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

That was bad. I would be surprised if there have been many editions of this famous fixture with such a lack of quality at the halfway stage. Very little happening in that opening 45 minutes, with no shots on target, no cards and barely any passion despite the fierce rivalry between these two sides.

United have enjoyed more of the ball than their opponents, but while they have passed it neatly, there hasn't been enough pace in their moves. Their best moments have actually come as a result of Liverpool mistakes, with Fellaini sending one lob over after Mignolet had carelessly given the ball away, while Depay threatened shortly after following an error from Skrtel.

At this point I usually go through the highlights of the first half, but the truth is that there haven't really been any. Liverpool have been poor in possession, often resorting to hoofing the ball up towards Benteke, who is becoming increasingly isolated. Ings is playing in a wide role that doesn't suit the former Burnley striker, while Firmino - usually more of a number 10 - is also struggling to make an impact from the wing.

Neither side have been good so far, but it is United who have been slightly the better of the two teams. As mentioned, they have kept the ball better than their opponents, but they seem to lack the cutting edge to find a way through. Fellaini has failed to make a nuisance of himself up front, while a couple of his touches in promising positions have seen prospective chances go begging.

KICKOFF: The hosts get us back underway for the second half, and there is news of a change to bring you as Ashley Young replaces Memphis Depay at the break. A bit more action in the next 45 minutes, please!

YELLOW CARD! Clyne becomes the first name in the book, and it is quite a harsh one for the full-back, who blocked off Young when the winger was trying to cut inside.

This game was screaming out for a goal, and a moment of quality, and Daley Blind has just provided both. It is shocking defending from Liverpool as they leave the Dutchman wide open from a free kick. The ball is rolled along the floor to Blind, who picks out the top corner with a brilliant first-time finish. Nothing should be taken away from that strike, but it was far too easy for United.

CHANCE! That has really picked the hosts up here. They can smell blood at the moment and have a good chance for a quickfire second as the ball is lifted into the box for Schweinsteiger, who can't hit the target at the back post.

This has been a lot better from United so far in the second half. They are beginning to show a bit of intent at last, with Young making a difference since his introduction. Liverpool, on the other hand, are still looking slow and flat.

Liverpool need a spark of inspiration from somewhere, but quite where that may come from is anyone's guess right now. The bench isn't exactly an attacking one, and none of the current XI on the field look like providing it.

CHANCE! Two chances in quick succession for Liverpool as first De Gea's throw puts United in trouble, allowing Clyne to find Firmino, who in turn saw his cross turned behind for a corner. Moments later the ball is played up towards Lovren, who nods it over to Ings inside the area. The striker chests the ball down but can't quite catch his volley right, allowing De Gea to tip it wide.

That was comfortably Liverpool's best moment of the match so far, and they seem to be showing a bit more attacking intent at the moment. They would have been happy with a goalless draw here, but now they have to come out and make something happen in the final 30 minutes.

Good chance for United here as Lovren is unable to deal with Fellaini, eventually bringing him down in a very dangerous position. There are plenty of red shirts interested in this free kick...

It is Young who gets the nod, but he may not have the next one. The winger sends his curling effort well over the bar from around 25 yards out.

Important piece of defending from Darmian as he races back to get a foot to Gomez's through-ball down the left channel. Benteke could have been through on goal had he got there first, but Darmian showed great pace to win it.

OFF THE LINE! Almost an equaliser for Liverpool as Skrtel gets his head to a corner, only to see his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Blind. Blind is called into action again seconds later, just about doing enough to prevent Firmino from bundling the ball home at the back post.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The visitors make their first change of the match as Jordon Ibe comes on in place of Firmino.

MAN UTD SUB: The hosts also make a change, and it is the new £36m man Anthony Martial who gets the nod. The world's most expensive teenager gets a rousing reception as he replaces Mata.

Young is in a bit of pain here having rolled his ankle. He receives treatment and initially looks like he may have to go off, but he is going to try to continue.

Game over? United double their lead from the spot, with Herrera hammering the ball beyond the dive of Mignolet, who guessed the right way but couldn't get anything onto it. Gomes is the guilty party in terms of giving the spot kick away with a rash challenge on Herrera inside the penalty area, going to ground and not managing to get his foot to the ball.

MAN UTD SUB: A third and final change for the home side as Carrick is replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin.

YELLOW CARD! Darmian goes into the book for a cynical challenge that gives Liverpool a free kick in a good crossing position...

Milner opts to go for goal despite the angle being against him, and he curls it over the top. Not the worst effort, but he may have been better served going for the cross.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Another change for the visitors as Divock Origi is introduced in place of Ings.

YELLOW CARD! Milner is the latest player to go into the book for a heavy and reckless challenge on Young. No complaints with that one.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Benteke to get Liverpool back into this match, but he puts too much on his header when he needed to just glance it goalwards.

Time is running out for Liverpool now. They have been better in the second half in an attacking sense, but still haven't done nearly enough to seriously trouble De Gea today. They can have no complaints at trailing here.

Rodgers still hasn't exactly thrown the kitchen sink at United yet. They are still playing with just one up front, and Benteke has been too isolated all day long. Blind and Smalling, meanwhile, have dealt with everything comfortably.

Martial shows a good bit of strength to hold off Lovren, who climbs all over the youngster before giving away a free kick. That should help endear himself to these United fans.

CHANCE! Positive play from Ibe as he collects a back-heel from Origi before cutting inside from the right flank. He earns himself a yard to shoot on his weaker left foot, sending an effort towards the top corner which De Gea saves acrobatically.

Oh my word, what a goal this is to get Liverpool back into the match! It looked like it might take something special, and Benteke has produced exactly that with a stunning acrobatic volley into the top corner. He watched it all the way in the air before unleashing a magnificent effort, which flew past De Gea before he knew what hit him.

What a moment for the youngster! Just a minute after Liverpool got themselves back into the match, Anthony Martial puts it beyond their reach once again with a fantastic goal. He isolates Skrtel, cutting inside and eventually slaloming him through on goal. He finds himself with only the keeper to beat, and he slots it into the bottom corner. Dare I say Thierry Henry-esque?

Martial got a great reception from the fans when he came on, but he has made himself a cult hero at the club straight away with that goal. There is nothing like an important strike against your fiercest rivals to get your United career up and running!

Good work from Clyne down the right as he reaches the byline before sending a teasing low cross into the middle. There are no white shirts waiting to tap it home, however, while Moreno - on for Lucas now - misses the ball at the back post.

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match.

Michael Oliver brings an end to proceedings at Old Trafford, and it is Manchester United who once again come away with the bragging rights courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. The first half was, quite frankly, a shocker, but that was more than made up for in the second half, with all of the goals coming after the interval. United move up to second in the table as a result.

The opening goal came four minutes into the second half as Mata's low free kick was curled home by Blind, and that lead was doubled 20 minutes later when Herrera won and then dispatched a penalty. The goal of the game came from Benteke, who fired a magnificent bicycle kick past De Gea with six minutes left, but less than two minutes later Anthony Martial marked his United debut with a fine solo effort to wrap up the points.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the latest edition of this famous rivalry as Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-1 at Old Trafford, thanks in part to new signing Martial. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!