Mata brace sinks Reds

Liverpool. — Juan Mata struck twice, including a sublime volley, for Manchester United in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool who had Steven Gerrard sent off for a stamp at Anfield yesterday.

Mata’s neat finish put United ahead on 14 minutes before Liverpool half-time substitute Gerrard was sent off less than a minute into the second period for stamping on Ander Herrera.

Spaniard Mata’s stunning left-foot volley put United 2-0 up before Daniel Sturridge pulled a goal back for Liverpool. Wayne Rooney missed the chance to add a third for United when Simon Mignolet saved his injury-time penalty.

Fourth-placed United have 59 points from 30 matches, five more than Liverpool in fifth.

Mata, it appears, has struggled to make a lasting impression on Louis van Gaal at Manchester United just as he failed to woo Jose Mourinho at his previous club Chelsea.

The Spanish playmaker’s two well-taken goals in a 2-1 Premier League victory at the home of arch-rivals Liverpool, however, again showcased his undoubted talent and may force Dutchman Van Gaal into a rethink.

Mata’s stop-start United career since his US$61,22 million move from Chelsea 14 months ago has reflected his time at Stamford Bridge, where he was often overlooked by Mourinho despite being twice previously the club’s player of the season. A move north was meant to revive Mata but, although he finished his first season in red strongly and began this campaign as first choice, the Spaniard appeared to have gone off his manager’s radar when it came to choosing his first eleven.

That was until last weekend when Mata made his first league start since Jan. 17 in place of the suspended Angel Di Maria against Tottenham.

An impressive display in a 3-0 victory was enough to retain his place at Anfield and Mata more than justified Van Gaal’s faith, opening the scoring with a low shot drilled across Simon Mignolet in the first half.

After the break, he then swivelled acrobatically to volley in substitute Di Maria’s chip.

“I think it’s my best game in a United shirt, yes. It’s a massive game, probably the biggest in English football, so to score two goals is great for me,” Mata told Sky Sports.

“The second goal has to be up there with my best. After Steven Gerrard was sent off we needed a second goal because they pushed us to the end.

“It was important for me. The last few months I’ve not had the best moment. It is the manager who decides but I’m happy today.”

Van Gaal was sufficiently impressed, but like Mourinho at Chelsea who preferred Oscar, Willian and Eden Hazard in the three creative positions behind the lone striker, said Mata did not always fit into his formation.

“Now he is playing as a false right winger and the communication with (Ander) Herrera and (Antonio) Valencia gives him more opportunities,” Van Gaal told reporters.

“I think he was one of my most consistent players. I am not amazed, but I am very happy for him.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard issued a frank apology yesterday after being sent off during his side’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to arch rivals Manchester United.

The 34-year-old, who will join the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, came on at half-time with Liverpool trailing 1-0, only to be sent off after 43 seconds for a crude stamp on United midfielder Ander Herrera.

“I don’t know what caused it. I don’t know. Probably just a reaction to the initial tackle,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“I shouldn’t say more about it, really. I’ve just come out here to apologise to the dressing room and supporters.

“I need to accept it. The decision was right. I’ve let down my teammates and the supporters. I take full responsibility.

“I’ve been in the game long enough (to know what happens) when you do something like that. I take full responsibility.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that Gerrard had said sorry to his teammates after the final whistle.

“Steven apologised to the players and me in the dressing room,” Rodgers said.

“It was probably frustration. We didn’t put a tackle in the first half, but the players adjusted well.”

“We kept the ball and created a lot of possibilities; not big chances, but a lot of possibilities to score,” said United manager Van Gaal.

“I said whoever could beat the pressure shall win. Juan Mata was very good. He played always good in my opinion with me, so he’s one of my most constantly playing players.

“But sometimes you also need balance in your team and you have to select other players. Now he has played very well and did this position very well.

“It’s an amazing result for the fans. We now have a gap from positions five, six and seven, which is very important.”

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel was fortunate to escape unpunished after appearing to stamp on United goalkeeper David de Gea as he chased a through ball at the death, but Rodgers played down the incident.

“I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident,” he said. “The ball was played through, but it probably looks worse in slow-motion.

“It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball, but the ball went into the goalkeeper’s hand. Martin is not that type of player. He was just a fraction out.”— Reuters/AFP.