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Premier League: Brendan Rodgers rues missed chances after Liverpool lose to Manchester United

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Brendan Rodgers rued his side's missed chances against Manchester United

Brendan Rodgers felt his Liverpool side created enough chances to win their Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

First-half goals from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata and a third from Robin van Persie after the break saw Liverpool fall to a 3-0 defeat and remain ninth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of the top four.

However, it could have been a different story had it not been for an outstanding display from United goalkeeper David De Gea, who produced fine saves to deny Raheem Sterling three times and Mario Balotelli three times.

“I thought we did enough to win the game but we weren’t prolific enough in terms of goal-scoring,” Rodgers said.

Juan Mata celebrates scoring Man Utd's second goal against Liverpool
Image: Juan Mata scored Manchester United's second goal

“In fairness to the players, we created so many chances today and David De Gea being man of the match tells you everything about the game. We created enough chances to win the game.”

Defensive mistakes

Although content with the number of chances his side created, Rodgers was critical of the defensive mistakes they made.

Rooney’s opener came just moments after Sterling could have scored at the end, while Van Persie’s third was a gift following a tame clearance from Dejan Lovren.

“We also made defensive mistakes and that has cost us today,” Rodgers added. “You just can’t concede the goals we did. 

“The first one is a disappointing goal. We look like we’re going to take a lead and then they break up the other end and get in front. We lost our runner from the midfield area, which you can’t do, and the other two are also disappointing goals for us.

“Today we wanted to come here and create chances as it’s something we haven’t done of late. At least we created the opportunities, but if we cut out the mistakes, we’ll win more football matches.” 

Highlights of Manchester United v Liverpool are available to Sky Go subscribers.

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