I've renamed this thread, hope you don't mind, Jess. This way it can cover any game involving an English side.
Psy: I think the #1 reason Utd have conceded ten more goals than Liverpool is the midfield problems allowing the opposition to get close enough. Also, I'd take Brown over Vidic any day of the week, so I don't know why you said "Hyypia over Vidic" instead of "Hyypia over Brown". I think Neville seems to be concentrating more on attack than defence these days and I personally don't rate those who are standing in for Heinze too highly. If both sides had a full strength defence, United would be on par if not better than Liverpool. For reference, that's Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Heinze.
And I just noticed that you didn't mention Brown because Rocket Edge didn't mention Brown. I guess he somehow forgot about the player that got the strongest cheer in the awards ceremony at the end of the Carling Cup. Brown is in sensational form lately, saving goals with foot and head more often than any other player in the back row for United.
But again, the reason Liverpool have conceded less goals is because they have a solid back line (like United) and a strong midfield (unlike United).
If the rumours are true about the Glazers giving Ferguson an open cheque book during the summer transfer window, I see Man Utd taking on Chelsea in a very strong way next season. But then, these rumours are from the same kind of tabloids that say Ruud is leaving Man Utd for £10million purely because he was "disappointed" to not play the Carling Cup, despite immediately going on to refute any rift after the previous statement.
On another note, Carrick impressive, but Cole in particular tonight against Uruguay - sensational.