Scholes opened the score for the Red Devils in the 39th minute while Rio Ferdinand doubled the lead after the interval.

The win put United back to the top of the Premiership on 22 points, leading champions Chelsea, who beat Portsmouth 2-1 on Saturday, on goal difference.

Liverpool trail leaders United by 11 points.

Dirk Kuyt squandered a chance to put Liverpool ahead when he meekly headed Mark Gonzalez’s cross into the hands of Edwin van Der Sar.

Seconds later, Scholes got on the end of a Ryan Giggs cross to shoot the ball past Pepe Reina who denied it, only for the 31-year-old midfielder to swoop in and net home on the second attempt.

In the 66th minute, Ferdinand struck home a rare, yet brilliant, goal.

The stern defender controlled a high ball and unleashed a powerful volley into the top far corner of Reina’s net to seal the victory.