Van Persie gives Manchester United 2-1 win at Liverpool

Robin van Persie's penalty kick gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over 10-man Liverpool on Sunday, settling a heated Premier League meeting between the fierce rivals after emotional tributes were paid to the Hillsborough disaster victims.

Van Persie beat Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 81st minute after Antonio Valencia was fouled by Glen Johnson.

United fell behind at the start of the second half when Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored despite the hosts having Jonjo Shelvey dismissed before the break.

Defender Rafael da Silva equalized five minutes later, curling the ball past Reina, and Van Persie's winner prolonged winless Liverpool's worst start to a season in more than 100 years.

Before kickoff, both teams paid tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough in 1989.