Manchester United returned to the top of the table as Korea Republic midfielder Park Ji-Sung sealed a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team trailed to an early goal from Fernando Torres at Old Trafford, but Wayne Rooney equalised with the rebound from a penalty before Park's third goal of the season won it for the champions.

United are now two points clear of second-placed Arsenal, while Chelsea can move level on points with the Gunners if they win at Blackburn Rovers later today.

Torres took just five minutes to score his third goal in his last three meetings with United. Dirk Kuyt provided the cross and Torres took advantage of slack United marking to power a header past Edwin van der Sar.

Liverpool's lead lasted just seven minutes as United equalised through Rooney's 33rd goal of the season. As Antonio Valencia drove towards the Liverpool penalty area, Javier Mascherano was tugging at the United winger. Mascherano released his grip as Valencia entered the area, but the Ecuadorian went to ground and referee Howard Webb gave the penalty.

The decision led to a heated interchange on the touchline between Ferguson and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. Jose Reina saved Rooney's spot-kick, but the rebound fell perfectly for the England talent to tap home into the net.

United were dominant after that and Park sealed United's first win over the Reds since March 2008 with a brave diving header from Darren Fletcher's cross in the 60th minute.