Welsh international Flower received a six-month ban following his sending-off in the Trafford showpiece for a double-punch on St Helens’ Lance Hohaia.

Despite controlling much of the proceedings at Old Trafford, United failed to register a single shot on target, with Dusan Tadic’s well-taken effort enough to secure victory for Ronald Koeman’s high-flying Saints.

Louis van Gaal has been touted as having turned the corner during his side’s ongoing 11-match unbeaten run, and there has even been increasing talk of a possible title challenge, yet his record is arguably worse than Moyes’ and comes on the back of an unprecedented summer spending spree.

The three-times European champions are in the midst of an 11-match unbeaten run and the former Barcelona manager wants his side to keep improving.

Former Barcelona ‘keeper Victor Valdes joined United this week having trained with Louis van Gaal’s side since October after leaving the Catalan giants in June last year.

The three-time Champions League winner, who has trained with United while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, is thought to have agreed an 18 month deal at Old Trafford.

The Colombian forward, 28, arrived at the 20-time league champions in a big-money loan switch from French principality club Monaco in September last year in a major move by Louis van Gaal.

Robin van Persie scored the third as Louis van Gaal’s men dominated Newcastle 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

United were in devilish form at Old Trafford on Sunday as they sealed their sixth consecutive Premier League victory by beating Liverpool 3-0.

The relative lack of current success for both clubs is threatening to take some of the bite out this most tempestuous of clashes.

Robin van Persie’s double at Southampton has left Louis van Gaal’s side in third place but defender Evans has played enough times against Liverpool to know anything can happen.