THEY came to protest about the co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet about the way Liverpool are being run under the American co-owners.

They left praising Fernando Torres – and substitute David Ngog – as Manchester United suffered their first defeat in 12 games in all competitions.

Not only did the champions lose their way, they also lost their composure with Nemanja Vidic sent off.

Curiously it was the third time in a row the Serbian had been red carded against their old rivals after a challenge on Dirk Kuyt.

Liverpool also had Javier Mascherano dismissed for a lunge on Edwin van der Sar but that could not prevent the smiles around Anfield.

Despite Steven Gerrard remaining absent, the influential Torres picked up the baton after recovering from a thigh injury that caused him to miss two games.

Liverpool had lost both as well as another two so the pressure was really on manager Rafael Benitez.

You have to go back to 1953 when the club last suffered five defeats in a row.

So finishing second best to United was unthinkable to those who wear the Mersey red.

Torres, however, made sure his fellow Spaniard Benitez, enjoyed the victory and the night.

United for their part find themselves trailing Chelsea by two points so the title race is wide open.

They could have little complaint about the outcome either as they looked lacklustre following the trip to Russia last week and the victory against CSKA Moscow.

However, it wasn’t all sweetness and light before the game with Liverpool supporters staging a demonstration.