LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Daniel Sturridge marked his 24th birthday with the winning goal as Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday and Anfield celebrated a significant anniversary in its auspicious history.

Bill Shankly, the legendary manager who put Liverpool on the world football map, was born 100 years ago on Monday, which made the timing of this success, in such a heated local rivalry, all the more poignant.

The win also marked the first time in 19 years that Liverpool have opened a Premier League campaign with three consecutive victories and they are already five points clear of their old rivals United.

Liverpool's players took just three minutes to respond to the occasion. Steven Gerrard's right-wing corner found Daniel Agger, who had lost Ferdinand easily, and his goalward header was turned in superbly by Sturridge.