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Louis van Gaal declared Manchester United back in the title race after they piled the pressure on his under-fire counterpart Brendan Rodgers at arch-rivals Liverpool.

If this really was, as Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had suggested, a showdown between two pub sides then the ­fortunes of the two landlords could not look more different.

United’s sixth win a row under new manager Van Gaal consolidated third place, just eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Goals from skipper Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie secured the win, with Van Gaal hinting afterwards at an unlikely title charge from his players.

The Red Devils exacted revenge for Liverpool’s win at Old Trafford by the same 3-0 scoreline last season.

When asked if they are now in the title race, their Dutch gaffer said: “Of course. We have won six matches in a row now and that’s fantastic.

Man United 3-0 Liverpool in pictures:

“But we have to improve our playing style still – and I say that nearly every week.

“We have to improve, but we’re very pleased because we know what it is to win against Liverpool. Everybody is happy. My cook is happy, my wife is happy and I’m happy!”

United midfielder Michael Carrick endorsed his manager’s title vow when he said: “We’re always looking at how we can get to the top.

“We need to stay up there, we need to stay in touch, then come Christmas and come January, as we’ve said for many years now, if we’re up there challenging then we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”

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In contrast, Rodgers cut a forlorn figure after his side’s latest setback increased the pressure on him.

The Anfield giants, who were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage in midweek, fell to 10th and visit Championship leaders Bournemouth on Wednesday for a tricky-looking Capital One Cup quarter-final.

Defeat there would place Rodgers’ position under further scrutiny but the Liverpool manager claimed his side were not three goals worse than their hosts on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli were denied several times by the heroics of keeper David De Gea in a man-of-the-match display.

“I didn’t think we deserved to be on the end of that scoreline,” said Rodgers. “They were much more clinical when they needed to be.

"It’s not often you come here and create that many chances. It wasn’t a 3-0 match. We had enough chances to get something and it epitomised what our season has been. We have nowhere near enough goals in the team and that has put pressure on us.”

Asked if his players were still united, amid reports of discord within the dressing-room, Rodgers said: “I wouldn’t tell you anyway. It will always stay within.

“Every dressing-room will always have issues, but in my time it’s never been the case. There is nothing of note. The players are real good, honest players. There’s an honesty there but they’re just not getting results.”