Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano should have been sent off for his foul on Antonio Valencia.

The Argentine escaped dismissal during the 2-1 defeat.

Ferdinand told MUTV: "Regardless of whether or not it was inside or outside the box, I think it should have been a red card.

"I think he [Javier Mascherano] got off lightly.

"Antonio Valencia was through on goal and I don't think anybody was going to get back to stop him shooting. For me, that's a red card."