Dirk Kuyt
Dirk Kuyt on his way to Tottenham? Reuters

Dirk Kuyt has been immortalized in Liverpool lore after scoring three goals in a fantastic victory for Liverpool against rival Manchester United at Anfield.

The home crowd may feel that Kuyt is the man of the match, but new addition Luis Suarez is climbing the charts too, as the Uruguayan was highly influential in two of the three goals.

The first goal came in the 34th minute, as Luis Suarez danced along the goal line through the Red Devil defenders and found Kuyt who simply had to knock the ball in from just a foot away.

The second goal came after a mistake by Nani, who headed the ball backwards. Kuyt was able to capitalize on the mistake, and suddenly Manchester United was in a heap of trouble.

In the second half, Suarez curled an excellent free kick just outside the box that was blocked by Edwin Van der Sar. But the goalkeeper couldn't hold on to the tough shot. Kuyt pounced on the loose ball, and knocked in his third goal of the match to give him the honor of scoring a hat trick against one of the best clubs in the world.

A headed goal by Javier Hernandez in stoppage time capped a forgettable Manchester United performance in a match they arrived late for. The lackluster performance was uncharacteristic to say the least.

The fine first-half performance won the game thanks to a strong first half and Kuyt and Suarez's performance. Suarez was replaced in the 90th minute by Joe Cole, and exited to a thundering ovation.

It was an overall great afternoon for Liverpool. The new number nine, Andy Carroll, even made his debut in the 74th minute. The forward didn't do much in his debut, but it didn't matter.

The Anfield crowd was elated with the decisive victory in a season that up until this point has been a disappointment.

The three-goal effort by Liverpool may not seem so surprising based on who missing for Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic, Johnny Evans, and Rio Ferdinand.

Things got interesting at about the 58th minute mark. Dimitar Berbatov header within a few feet from the goal went directly at Raul Meireles. The Bulgarian forward pleaded for a hand ball, but replays showed that Meireles chested the ball.

On a free kick moments later, Ryan Giggs's shot from inside the superfulous semi-circle was high.

Manchester United's attack in the second half was almost non-existent. Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, and Giggs simply couldn't find the back of the net, aside from El Chicarito's goal in stoppage time.

In the 62nd minute, Meireles almost found an opening from the left side, but couldn't slide it in past Van der Sar.

Michael Owen didn't play for Manchester United against his former team, and wasn't available on the bench for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United must now pick up the pieces. Important matches loom in the very near future for the Red Devils.