Manchester United striker Robin van Persie hailed the Old Trafford crowd for victory over Liverpool.

Van Persie struck in the 3-0 rout.

"The fans were brilliant today for the whole 90 minutes, so we had 12 men and we needed that at times," Robin told Sky Sports after the final whistle. "It was a very good game, and David [De Gea] was outstanding again.

"I think it's always important to score first in games like this; it gives you an added calmness. I think that while we were sloppy at times, we used the ball well overall.

"Michael Carrick made a big difference at the back; he's so confident on the ball. Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, as well - the whole back five were excellent today."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, van Persie is also claiming some of the credit for Juan Mata's goal, saying: "I have to be honest, I got a touch - so you can put that down as an assist!"