Juan Mata revels in his 'greatest game in a Manchester United shirt' after brushing Liverpool aside

Juan Mata scored twice at as Louis van Gaal's side moved five points clear of hosts Liverpool in the race for Champions League football.

Mata scored either side of substitute Steven Gerrard's bizarre dismissal to put United on course for a return to Europe's leading club competition after a season away.

The Spanish midfielder told Sky Sports: "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.

"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."

After neatly finishing with his weaker foot for his first, Mata produced a moment of supreme quality for his second goal, an acrobatic scissor kick that left Simon Mignolet no chance.

Mata had been in and out of the side of late, but was included against Tottenham last week as a replacement for out of form Angel di Maria. After impressing in the 3-0 win last week, Louis van Gaal included the Spaniard over di Maria at Anfield and the midfielder did not disappoint, providing a man of the match performance.

Louis van Gaal now has a selection headache, with Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick also impressing in midfield in recent weeks.