Manchester was painted red on Sunday as, courtesy of goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling, United silenced their traditionally neighbours 4-2 at Old Trafford.

Juan Mata notched either side of half time to put the Manchester United into a commanding lead at Anfield, though ten-man Liverpool – who had substitute Steven Gerrard sent off in the first minute of the second half – did pull one back through Daniel Sturridge.

Manchester United’s 3-0 battering of Tottenham has led coach Louis van Gaal to say he believes the Red Devils are capable of overtaking local rivals Manchester City.

Fellaini was up to his goalscoring tricks again last night in the win over their League One opponents Preston, providing a dream target for any winger as Antonio Valencia’s cross found the tall midfielder-come-striker, who put the visitors in front with his right boot.

Scott Laird’s strike put the League One side ahead early in the second half at Deepdale before United fought back through Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney adding a third from the spot.

Fellaini’s introduction after 72 minutes – with United trailing 1-0 to West Ham on Sunday – proved too much for the London club’s defence as the midfielder played a key part in the build up to Daley Blind’s injury-time equaliser.

After moving past Cambridge United, the Red Devils now face Preston North End in the last 16 and United’s Dutch boss is well aware that silverware could be just four games away.

Colombian striker Falcao missed a hatful of gilt-edged opportunities on Saturday afternoon as United stayed in the top four, a point above Arsenal who turned over champions Manchester City.

United edged out Mark Hughes’ visitors 2-1 at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata.

The returns of Michael Carrick and the much-maligned Marouane Fellaini have gone some way to adding steel to a midfield that was all but absent in the opening weeks of the season.

The 20-times league champions head into the vital match on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, while City have lost their last two.