Robin van Persie's 17th Premier League goal of the season has given Manchester United a 1-0 lead at the break in their clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford this afternoon.

The deadlock was broken with what was the first meaningful shot on target with 19 minutes played. Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley all linked to free Patrice Evra down the left wing. The United full-back then drilled in a cross for Van Persie, who had stepped away from Daniel Agger and the Dutchman beat Pepe Reina with an instant low shot from 10 yards out.

Van Persie then had a chance to double his and United's tally with 26 minutes on the clock, but on this occasion he lifted the ball over the crossbar following a through-pass from Ashley Young.

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United continued to dominate and a misplaced pass from Joe Allen allowed Welbeck a shot at goal in the 30th minute, but the England international's effort from the 12 yards out was blocked by a sliding Agger.

Another opportunity fell to Welbeck four minutes later, but his left-footed shot from a narrow angle failed to work Reina.

Liverpool's only real effort of note was created by Luis Suarez, who volleyed way over the target after he managed to shake off Rio Ferdinand.

As the half drew to a close Cleverley was just inches away from putting the hosts 2-0 in front when his volleyed strike from a Young cross just went wide to the right of the goal.

There was still time for a final chance to fall United's way in the 44th minute. A stumbling Rafael managed to force the ball through to Van Persie, who saw his flicked effort from close range cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel. Then, as Kagawa looked to convert the rebound, Reina rushed out and managed to block the Japanese attacker's route to goal.