Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0: Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool outplayed home side in Old Trafford defeat

The Liverpool manager said his side did not deserve to be on the end of a 3-0 scoreline

A downbeat Brendan Rodgers looks on as his side slip to defeat (GETTY IMAGES)

Brendan Rodgers said that Liverpool were the better side despite seeing them slip to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

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Liverpool created a host of fine chances but were swatted aside by a clinical United with goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin Van Persie as Louis Van Gaal's side won their sixth successive Premier League game to stay third, eight points behind Chelsea.

"We had huge changes in the summer and that has taken time for us to find our way," said Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman's summer signings again struggled, with Adam Lallana so anonymous he was withdrawn at half time and Lazar Markovic failing to make an impression as a substitute.

Dejan Lovren was at fault for the third United goal, scored by Van Persie.

Only Mario Balotelli impressed with some fine hold-up play. The troubled Italian would have scored but for a fingertip save from the brilliant De Gea, who pushed his shot onto the bar.

"The most important thing for me today was we looked like scoring. Over the course of the season we haven't been creative enough. Raheem Sterling was outstanding, his movement was great, he was just unfortunate not to get a goal," said Rodgers.

"I didn't think it was a 3-0 game. I thought we were the better team in the first half but we gave away disappointing goals today. I think it tells you everything that their goalkeeper was man of the match. Our creativity was good today, probably the best all season."

Van Gaal was impressed by the attacking side of United's game but remains worried by defensive lapses.

"I think we have scored wonderful goals. We also kept the shape very good. In spite of the goals we gave a lot of chances away. That was every time we gave unnecessary passes away and that is how we have to improve," he said.

The Dutchman played down the influence of De Gea, who saved five times at crucial points from Sterling and Balotelli.

"You can always say that some players are the most influential in a game and of course David De Gea has a big influence," said Van Gaal. "He did it very well but I can mention others who were also very good and had a big influence.

"You can single out as many players as you want. Yes, Michael Carrick did well in defence. I said it was an all-English defence today but then Jonny Evans corrected me and told me his is from Northern Ireland. So a British defence."