It is 17 years since the Merseyside giants won the last of their 18 league titles, yet optimism was high before the campaign began that this would be the year that barren run came to an end.
Instead, Rafael Benitez's men look as far away from their Holy Grail than ever following a fifth home defeat in six years to their fierce north-west rivals.
Although it is far too early to write Liverpool off completely, they are now 10 points adrift of Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal and nine behind United. Indeed, they are not even in the top four, having been squeezed out by Manchester City over the weekend.
"As a Manchester United player, there are not many tastes better than winning at Anfield, especially as Liverpool feel as though they are going very well and had a really good chance to beat us," said England defender Ferdinand.
"They thought they had the players to win this time.
"We have nicked a few results against them over the years but this time I thought we were well worth it. They hardly caused us any problems at all."
Scares
United did survive a couple of scares when Anderson and Patrice Evra were forced to clear off the line but, long before the end, Liverpool had resorted to blasting a series of high balls into the visitors box.
Ferdinand may not be noted quite so much as defensive partner Nemanja Vidic for sticking his head in where it hurts but, between them, United's centre-halves won everything, even after Peter Crouch had been introduced.
The 29-year-old former Leeds star, who hobbled out of Anfield after having stitches inserted into a nasty gash on his ankle, was reluctant to take too much praise along with his man-of-the-match champagne, insisting it had been a team effort.
"I do have a fantastic partnership with Nemanja but results like these are not about one or two players," he said.
"If the other lads around us aren't defending or running their socks off, it makes our job at the back a lot harder. There were big performances all over the park from a lot of different players."
Although Arsenal remain top, having already proved their durability by bouncing back from last week's unexpected defeat at Middlesbrough, and Chelsea deserve to be treated with caution even without Didier Drogba and possibly John Terry, the suspicion remains that United's huge strength in depth will see them reach the finishing line first.
Nani did not even make the bench yesterday, skipper Gary Neville is yet to play a game, while Paul Scholes is not due back from a knee injury until the end of January.
Fulcrum
Not that Scholes, so long the fulcrum of Sir Alex Ferguson's team, could be entirely sure of his place at present.
South American Anderson, signed for £17million from FC Porto last summer, went toe-to-toe with Steven Gerrard in a thunderous midfield duel and did not yield an inch.
Even when Gerrard caught his man with a meaty challenge that sent him flying into the air, Anderson merely shrugged his shoulders and got on with the job, earning admiration from supporters and team-mates alike.
"The morale in this squad is unbelievable," said Ferdinand.
"Look at Anderson, He has come to United, at 19, and played in central midfield at Anfield and held his own.
"He was running off their midfielders in the first half and turned defence into attack so quickly. He has not even played 20 games for us yet. It only bodes well for the future."
United tackle the blue half of Merseyside on Sunday and if victory over Everton at Old Trafford proves to be a prelude to a very productive Festive campaign, United will enter 2008 in a pretty healthy position.
Not that Ferdinand is letting himself look too far ahead.
"We are in good shape but there are a lot more games to play," he said.
"We will not be counting our chickens too soon."
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Ferdinand for Man United captain!
i second that. Iv always felt rio was a deserved candidate for captain - especially in nevs absence.
everton will be tough but i feel this could again be our season. very early days tho yet
I watched parts of the game again today and have to admire the performance we put in - and fully agree that the entire team (apart from VDS and Brown for his distribution) played their socks off. Anderson was outstanding, as was Hargreaves, Evra and our central defence. Our attack was potent when it needed to be - but fans need to realise that we were playing a different type of game against a much improved Liverpool side in front of their fanatical supporters. We controlled most of the game superbly (compared to last season, when their attack had some potency). Liverpool and Chelsea must now be regarded as also-rans. While I would have preferred a draw in the Arse game, there is value in having just one main opponent to think about in the new year. This side fills me with confidence that we can take it all (apart from the League Cup of course....). So bring on Everton!!!
I have always thought Rio would make a great captain and now I am certain.
I wouldn't write anyone off yet - Dippers have a game in hand and that could put them 6 points behind us. We're now only a point behind Arsenal and that was a much bigger gap a couple of weeks back. It only takes a couple of results for things to change. There's no way this is a two-horse race just yet, but obviously we have to be happy with the daylight that's opened up - especially considering that we're going into traditionally our strongest part of the season, and bearing in mind that Arsenal and the scousers still have to come to OT.
The words of a captain.
Rio, Vida, Evra. Supreme. Wes is an awful weak link now. Not his fault, he is no right back. Never supported Ronnie or helped him once. Rubbish beyond belief past the half way line, no attacking ability or mind set. If Gaz isn't going to be back to his best we must spend spend spend to get a right back that can attack like Evra or Nev.
Yes, United have an obvious chance. Chelsea, no Drogba and now no Terry.I think this will cripple them, they looked short up front yesterday.
Liverpool's best chance looks to be the cups again.
Arsenal are definitely the real deal and I was very impressed again yesterday. They stood up well physically, even to the extent of putting their boot in! They have plenty of talent but United's squad is stronger. If they stay free of injuries they'll be there at the death.
The fact that we can give some of our stars a rest may be crucial in the race for the title - the Gunners just don't have that luxury.
Everton will be a proper test so expect a really tough game.
sweet vicotry and done the scouse scum again,where was the liverpool world class???answer is in utds world class players.
anderson is certainly a class player and at how old 19.
Loving it.
How great was it when Torres tried his hammy hardman routine on Rio, who simply spun him round one handed, and binned him off?
Surely one for youtube...
It's a fuuny ol' world! The Bentley driving shopoholic who brought new meaning to protracted contract negotiations is now the fans' favourite for captain?
Yes indeed, I have to back that one. He really luvved beating the scousers and showed that he shares the passion for the victory with the fans. All would agree that all is forgiven and let Rio lead us to the promised land of the treble!
Yes.
There is only one danger it is ARSENAL.
a quality peformance from a quality player without a doubt.He seems to need the big games to bring about this type of perforamnce; which is a worry. Not sure about his pedigree as captain; like to see a midfielder personally; who is at the hub of the team performance aka robson; keane. Hargreaves would fit the bill if he was fit; so for me its rooney; bust a gut every game type of player!!
yep, i remember The Bull trying to knock Rio off the ball. it turned out to be bull alright! Red Rio almost looked sad that that was best Torres could give! and he does love playin against Pool. to dat,e 40% of his Premier league goals for us have bulged their nets!
When Nev announces his retirement, there's only one candidate for the captaincy. It should adeally be a central defender or midfielder in any case.
Rio is definitely the man for us, has been so for some time in honesty.
Ferdinand is one of the most overated players in the league. All he does when he gets it, especially for England, is launch it up the field. He does, however, keep is best games for Liverpool. Rather have Carragher any day.