By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

Manchester United's South Korean star Park Ji-sung's diving header secured a 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Old Trafford, Sunday (KST), lifting the Red Devils to the top of the standings again.

Sixty minutes into the match, Darren Fletcher's cross from the right was met by Park, who dived at Liverpool defender Glen Johnson's feet and steered the ball past goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The victory saw the defending champion reclaim the Premier League lead, two points ahead of Arsenal. Chelsea, which collected only one point after drawing with Blackburn Rovers 1-1, Monday, is in third, trailing Man Utd by four points with 65 from 30 games although having a game in hand.

``Park's such a great little lad that his courage got him the goal,'' said manager Alex Ferguson. ``We can give him roles to play because of his intelligence and discipline.

``It was very tight and Liverpool is good at stopping you.

``But you have got to be patient and we scored a tremendous goal from Park Ji-sung,'' he added.

``The match was one we had to win,'' Park said. ``We really needed three winning points, and I am very happy that I scored the game winner.''

It was only the Korean international's third goal of the season but Park, dubbed ``Oxygen tank,'' has scored in the big games against Arsenal and AC Milan and now against Liverpool.

The first goal came from Liverpool striker Fernando Torres in the fifth minute. Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right flank found him wide-open and he rifled a header into the net.

Just seven minutes later Antonio Valencia won a controversial penalty after being hauled down by Javier Mascherano.

Though Mascherano first made contact outside the area, referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot.

The 65-year-old Man Utd boss insisted Mascherano should be sent off while Liverpool's Rafael Benitez was angered by the ``unacceptable penalty decision.''

``It is clear that there is contact, but the way he fell down was strange,'' he said.

Wayne Rooney's penalty was saved by Reina but he pounced on the rebound for his 33rd goal of the season.

During the next 50 minutes the home side had more of the possession, but neither side made much of an impact on the game until Park added the perfect memento for his 100th start. He has now recorded offensive points in three consecutive games.

``I tore up my forehead, so I had to get stitches,'' Park said. ``This match was one of the really big games. Following our victory, I think we will accelerate more and more.''

Manchester United's next match will draw the attention of Korean fans, as the clash against Bolton Wanderers, Sunday, will see rising star Lee Chung-yong pitted against his international teammate.

``I think Wanderers are safe from relegation, I hope Lee scores an own goal, which would make it easier for us,'' Park said laughing.

yc@koreatimes.co.kr