Liverpool have begun a season with three straight victories for the first time since 1994 with a narrow victory over bitter rivals Manchester United.

The Reds have won each game 1-0, with Daniel Sturridge the club's sole goalscorer in the Premier League so far this term.

It took just four minutes for Liverpool to go in front. Steven Gerrard's corner was headed goalwards by Daniel Agger and Sturridge, on his 24th birthday, diverted it past two United shirts on the line.

United responded well and had a chance to equalise when Ashley Young's corner went past everyone at the front post and through to Robin van Persie at the back post, but the Dutchman failed to control the ball.

The visitors' resurgent spell fizzled out after 20 minutes and it was Liverpool who next threatened when Glen Johnson was brought down outside the area. Gerrard's curling free kick was saved by David de Gea.

As the first half came to an end, tempers flared at Anfield, with Van Persie in particular clearly frustrated. After blowing for half time, referee Andre Marriner spoke to captains Nemanja Vidic and Gerrard in an effort to cool things down.

United saw plenty of the ball after the resumption and almost levelled when Young's vicious half-volley was blocked.

Nani was brought on to replace Young for his first appearance of the season and he almost made an impact soon after by firing a left-footed shot that Simon Mignolet parried away.

Van Persie then had a chance to snatch a late equaliser when Javier Hernandez played him in down the right, but the Dutchman side-footed wide from a tight angle.

Liverpool go two points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League's summit, while United are already five behind the Reds in sixth.