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MANCHESTER. — Manchester United’s revival under Louis van Gaal continued at Old Trafford yesterday with a 3-0 win over Liverpool, the Red Devils’ sixth win on the spin in the Premier League coming with another fabulous goalkeeping performance from ‘keeper David de Gea. The Reds lacked conviction and the player deemed the future, the saviour, Raheem Sterling, suffered a particularly poor game.

He was denied by man-of-the-match De Gea, who also thwarted Mario Balotelli when the Italian arrived at half-time.

At least, Balotelli had a go, too many of those in yellow were too inhibited, too riddled with fear.

United were hardly at their best, but were too good for the visitors, attacking brutally on the break, and had strong displays from Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Rooney as well as Phil Jones in the second half and the outstanding De Gea.

It was in midfield where the game was decided with Rooney too powerful for Steve Gerrard in the centre, Joe Allen patently no enforcer while Ashley Young was too quick for Jordan Henderson and Antonio Valencia gave Moreno no end of problems.

Valencia had so much freedom and space on the right he could have organised tours without being disturbed.

Liverpool fans raised a banner, declaring “the kids are alright”, and they looked to Sterling playing as a false No. 9.

Sterling was making his 100th game for Liverpool aged 20 years six days.

The visitors should have scored after 12 minutes following a quick-fire attack. Sterling flicked the ball to Adam Lallana, who sprinted forward, before returning the compliment.

Sterling ran down the inside-left channel but De Gea is in such good form, so adept at these situations. The Spaniard spread himself, like a sinewy Peter Schmeichel, and saved Sterling’s left-footed shot.

United sensed their chance, countering quickly.

They poured forward, racing down the pitch, Valencia nut-megging Allen, and cutting the ball back for Rooney on the edge of the area.

Rooney met Valencia’s ball perfectly and it disappeared in a blur past Jones.

Rooney’s sixth goal of the season was only his fifth in 23 career games against Liverpool.

Controversy ensued five minutes from the break, darkening Liverpool’s mood further and deepening the debate about the level of officiating in the Premier League.

Young beat Henderson, and crossed from the left.

Van Persie leapt up and appeared to flick the ball on to Mata.

If there was contact from Van Persie, Mata was clearly in an offside position. Mike Mullarkey, one of the most respected assistant referees in the business, a veteran of Champions League and World Cup finals, clearly felt that Van Persie had not touched the ball and kept his flag down as Mata headed in.

As United celebrated, as social media devoured footage of the incident, Liverpool players did not appeal, did not vent any anger.

They accepted the injustice, a worrying sign for Rodgers as he seeks fight in his players.

He would also have every right to question his players’ marking of Mata too.

For a game of great historical resonance, this half was poor.

So on came Balotelli, replacing Lallana, yet their next opportunity, a glorious chance, fell to Sterling.

The ball was presented by Evans and Sterling should have scored. He drifted to the left of De Gea, opening up the space, but the keeper again managed to save well.

It was a horrendous miss.

After 71 minutes, it was over.

Mata sped upfield, finding Rooney, whose cross was half-cleared by Lovren to Mata. Liverpool’s defence was dishevelled, lacking leadership and intelligent positioning. Mata coolly picked out Van Persie, whose left foot did the rest, guiding the ball effortlessly past Jones.

The game briefly became Balotelli versus De Gea, with the Spaniard winning comfortably. — Telegraph.