Rooney double downs Liverpool as Suarez causes controversy again

Feb 11, 2012, 14:42 GMT

London - Wayne Rooney scored twice in three minutes as Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday, but the game was overshadowed by Luis Suarez's refusal to shake the hand of Patrice Evra.

Suarez was banned for eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra in October. Evra grabbed at his forearm in an effort to fulfil the traditional pre-match formality, but the Uruguayan pulled angrily away.

There were then allegations of clash in the tunnel at half-time after a first half that remained goalless. After Rooney had struck twice early in the half, Suarez pulled one back late on.

The win took United a point clear at the top of the table, having played a game more than Manchester City who face Aston Villa away on Sunday.

United had had the better of a largely scrappy opening period with Luis Valencia having the beating of Jose Enrique on the right.

A minute into the second half they had the advantage they probably deserved, as Ryan Giggs's corner skimmed off Jordan Henderson and was volleyed in by Rooney from close range.

Three minutes later it was two, Valencia dispossessing Jay Spearing and slipping in Rooney to finish comprehensively past Reina.

With Liverpool desperately short of cohesion, the game seemed effectively an exhibition until, with 10 minutes remaining, Rio Ferdinand reacted slowly, the ball bouncing off him to Suarez, who poked in from close range.

It was a goal from nothing, and nothing much followed, Liverpool failing to apply any pressure in the closing minutes.