United had lost just once this season prior to last Tuesday's visit to Chelsea, but a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge followed by Sunday's reversal, means they now lead Arsenal by three points at the top -- although the Gunners have a vital game in hand.
United were missing their first choice central defensive pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and their absence showed as the home side deservedly took a two-goal half-time lead.
Dutchman Kuyt broke the deadlock in the 34th minute after some superb play from Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker twisted and turned in the area, skipping around three challenges before getting to the by-line and knocking the ball across the area for Kuyt to apply the simplist of finishes from in front of goal.
And, just five minutes later, Liverpool doubled their advantage when United winger Nani inexplicably headed Suarez's cross from the right back towards goal -- and an unmarked Kuyt was on hand to nod home his second from close range.
United went close to pulling a goal back in the second half when Dimitar Berbatov's close-range header hit the chest of Raul Meireles on the goal-line.
And they were made to pay for that miss when Kuyt completed his hat-trick, again from close range, converting a 65th-minute rebound after goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar had parried Suarez's free-kick into his path.
United pulled one back in the final minute when substitute Javier Hernandez nodded home Ryan Giggs' right-wing cross from close range, but the goal had no impact on the final outcome and Liverpool were able to give a second-half debut to record signing Andy Carroll -- the most expensive English player in history following his $55m deadline day transfer from Newcastle.
The result lifts Liverpool back up to sixth place in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea although they have played two matches more.
Meanwhile, United's poor away form, they have won just four matches on their travels, continues to hinder their title chances.
COMMENT:
So the liverpol wons to manchester uniterd, 3-1
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