Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt grabbed a dramatic late winner as Liverpool FC dumped Manchester United out of the FA Cup at Anfield.

A keenly contested fourth round tie looked to be heading for a replay before the Dutchman struck in the 88th minute.

Pepe Reina's punt forward was flicked on by Andy Carroll and Kuyt burst clear to fire past David de Gea.

It was the perfect time for Kuyt to end a goal drought dating back to the Carling Cup win at Brighton in September.

Daniel Agger had nodded the Reds into a first half lead but Ji-Sung Park levelled for United.

Victory completed a remarkable week for Kenny Dalglish's men following their triumph over Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Dalglish made four changes from the side which ended the Reds' 16-year wait for a trip to Wembley.

There was a start up front for Carroll with Maxi Rodriguez installed on the left flank.

Jamie Carragher returned to the side on his 34th birthday to play in a holding midfield role, while Martin Kelly came in at right-back.

Glen Johnson, Kuyt, Charlie Adam and Cup hero Craig Bellamy all dropped to the bench.

United were without the injured Wayne Rooney as Alex Ferguson started with veteran duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in midfield.

There was a surprise in goal as de Gea returned at the expense of Anders Lindegaard.

All eyes were on Patrice Evra as the United defender returned to Anfield for the first time since he accused Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the league game back in October.

The Frenchman's every touch was booed throughout but thankfully the focus largely remained on events on the pitch.

Dalglish had urged his players to start where they left off against City three days earlier and they rose to the challenge.

Inside four minutes Rodriguez's dipping 25-yarder was parried behind by De Gea.

There was an electric atmosphere inside Anfield and after a slow start United began to grow in confidence.

Giggs forced a low save from Pepe Reina and then Antonio Valencia cut inside off the right and slammed a shot against the post.

However, Liverpool responded positively and grabbed the breakthrough in the 21st minute.

Jose Enrique's piledriver was deflected behind and Steven Gerrard swung the corner into the six yard box.

De Gea came for it but failed to claim and Agger climbed highest to nod home from close range.

Anfield erupted and the Reds threatened to add to their lead with Gerrard firing over after a trademark bursting run forward.

However, as the first half wore on the hosts increasingly sat back and invited United forward.

The visitors had plenty of possession but created little before fashioning an equaliser out of nothing six minutes before the break.

Valencia found Rafael who got the better of Enrique far too easily and delivered a low cross into the box.

Park was the first to react and hammered an unstoppable first time shot past Reina.

United controlled the early stages of the second half with the Reds pinned back and Carroll isolated up front.

Liverpool had appeals for a penalty waved away when Chris Smalling made a hash of dealing with Enrique's cross.

The defender fell to the ground and handled but referee Mark Halsey, who handled the game excellently, deemed it to be accidental.

Seconds later it was the Reds enjoying a major let-off as Danny Welbeck clipped the ball past Reina but Martin Skrtel got back to make a vital clearance.

Just past the hour mark Dalglish made a double change with Kuyt and Adam replacing Carragher and Rodriguez.

Gerrard's curling 30-yard free-kick was comfortably kept out by De Gea but with the keeper flapping every time a cross came into the box there was plenty of encouragement for the hosts.

Surprisingly, Gerrard made way for Bellamy with 18 minutes to go as Dalglish went with two up front in search of a winner.

Adam fired narrowly wide from long range and then Kuyt couldn't divert Downing's inviting cross on target.

At the other end Welbeck worked his way into space but lashed his shot high over the bar.

The tie appeared to be petering out when Liverpool struck in the the 88th minute.

And Dalglish's men could even have claimed a third goal late on.

Carroll nodded against the bar and Kuyt poked the rebound narrowly wide.

Liverpool Reina, Skrtel, Carragher (Kuyt 63), Agger, Kelly, Henderson, Gerrard (Bellamy 72), Jose Enrique, Downing, Carroll, Maxi (Adam 63).
Subs Not Used: Doni, Johnson, Coates, Shelvey.

Goals: Agger 21, Kuyt 88.

Man Utd De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Scholes (Hernandez 76), Carrick, Giggs (Berbatov 90), Valencia, Welbeck, Park.
Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio Da Silva, Michael Keane, Pogba.

Booked: Rafael Da Silva.

Goals: Park 39.

Att: 43, 952

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).