Mario Balotelli restrained by fans after altercation with Chris Smalling

Mario Balotelli was restrained by two Liverpool fans after clashing with Chris Smalling during Manchester United's 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday.

The second-half substitute appeared unhappy with a tackle that forced him into the advertising hoardings and then made towards Smalling before two Liverpool fans sitting in the front row grabbed the Italian to restrain him.

It may very well have been a crucial intervention by the Reds supporters, with Balotelli on a yellow card and Liverpool already down to ten men following the dismissal of captain Steven Gerrard.

And it was an otherwise frustrating cameo for Balotelli, who managed just one shot, which was blocked, and completed four passes during his 24 minutes of action.

Juan Mata had given Manchester United an early lead before Gerrard, a half-time introduction, managed to get himself sent off after less than 40 seconds on the pitch for a stamp on Ander Herrera. 

Midfielder Mata then doubled United's lead with a superb volley before Daniel Sturridge pulled one back for Liverpool late on, but United held on for a victory that moved them five points clear of Brendan Rodgers' side to tighten their grip on the final Champions League spot.