MAN U vs. LIVERPOOL: De Gea Saves The Day Yet Again

Louis van Gaal admitted man-of-the-match David De Gea had a “big influence” in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford but insisted it was a team victory.
The hosts claimed their sixth league triumph in succession with goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie, yet it was goalkeeper De Gea who produced the most sparkling performance.

The Spaniard denied Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli three times apiece with fine saves on a day in which Liverpool could have taken all three points themselves.

“You can always say that some players are the most influential in a game and, of course, David De Gea had a big influence,” United manager Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

'In his capacity'

“The balls were in his capacity, but he did it very well. I can mention other players who were also very good and had a big influence in this game today.”

Victory saw United consolidate third place in the Premier League table and close to within five points of second-placed Manchester City.

Although delighted to keep his side’s purple patch going, Van Gaal admitted he was concerned by aspects of his team’s performance against Liverpool.

“We have scored wonderful goals and we kept the shape very good, but in spite of the goals we gave a lot of chances away, and that was every time we gave unnecessary balls away,” he added.

Sloppy passing
"It was so easy playing because we had so much space, but nevertheless, we gave the ball away.”
It was the second match in a row in which United triumphed despite being far from their best, but Van Gaal believed there were improvements on last Monday’s 2-1 win at Southampton.

“Today I think we were the better team and we deserved to win,” he said. “It was not the same match as in Southampton. We pressed more in front, and that was also the key.

“It’s very important that we win the games, because then they [the players] believe in the philosophy, but we have to improve.”

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