Man United moved five points clear of Liverpool in the race for a top four Premier League finish thanks to a magical brace from Juan Mata.

The tricky Spaniard scored the game's opening goal from an acute angle and pulled of a delightful scissor kick second for United to put the game beyond Liverpool.

The home side, who were reduced to ten men shortly after half-time when substitute Steven Gerrard was dismissed for a stamp on Ander Herrera, managed to pull a goal back through Daniel Sturridge, but couldn't find an all important equaliser.

The opening exchanges were frantic and full of energy from both sides even though neither could fashion a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

That changed after 14 minutes when Herrera spotted Juan Mata's run with a sublime through ball, and his compatriot made no mistake from 12 yards.

The home side's hopes of pulling themselves back into the game were dealt a huge blow 40 seconds into the second half when captain Steven Gerrard, who had replaced Lallana at half time, was dismissed for a stamp on Ander Herrera.

Playing his last game against the Red Devils before his move into MLS next season, Gerrard had only just clattered into Juan Mata when his foot went down on Mata's compatriot, Herrera.

It was certainly a dramatic moment and one which the experienced midfielder could have few complaints about.

If that wasn't bad enough, Liverpool were dealt a further blow after 59 minutes when Mata topped off a smart move to double United's lead with a stunning scissor kick.

Less than five minutes after replacing Ashley Young, out-of-sorts Argentine Angel Di Maria chipped the ball to the Spaniard, who produced an acrobatic finish in front of the rapturous following support.

Daniel Sturridge provided Liverpool fans with some hope of salvaging something from the game with twenty minutes left when he powered Philippe Coutinho's pass beyond David De Gea's near post.

Mario Balotelli entered the field as Brendan Rodgers desperately searched for a late equaliser, but to no avail.

It was Wayne Rooney who had the chance to add some gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, but his penalty was saved by Mignolet after Daley Blind had been bundled over in the box by Emre Can.

The Red Devils move five points clear of Liverpool in the race for a Champions League spot.

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