Wayne Rooney regrets not letting Juan Mata take Man United's late penalty at Liverpool

Wayne Rooney: Missed a late penalty, but Man United still won 2-1 at Anfield

Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney says he should have let the hat-trick seeking Juan Mata take the late penalty which he failed to convert at Liverpool.

But Rooney was able to make the suggestion with a light heart, United having left the home of their arch-rivals with a 2-1 victory after a dramatic afternoon.

Star of the show Mata put United into the lead in the 14th minute and then doubled the advantage with a sensational 59th-minute volley.

Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men in the interim, Steven Gerrard having been dramatically sent off just 38 seconds after coming off the bench.

Daniel Sturridge managed to pull one back for Liverpool with just over 20 minutes to go but United were then awarded a stoppage-time penalty and Rooney stepped up to try and make the points safe.

However, the England man’s spot-kick was well-saved by Simon Mignolet, although he was not made to pay as the final whistle soon followed.

And Rooney wrote on Twitter on Sunday evening: "Very happy tonight, fans were amazing.

“@juanmata8 great goals. Should have let him take penalty. And the United fan in the Kop. Brilliant.”

Reaction from Michael Carrick and man of the match and two-goal hero Juan Mata Reaction from Michael Carrick and man of the match and two-goal hero Juan Mata

Rooney was not the only United player to post his thoughts on social media in the wake of the victory.

Midfielder Michael Carrick wrote: “Big big result. These are the ones that you remember, a lot more than just 3 points.

“Mr @juanmata8 magic, just magic.”

And defender Phil Jones posted a picture of himself and Mata on the coach after the game, adding: “Great result today! This man was unbelievable!"

Mata himself wrote: “What a team effort!! What a victory!! What a day!! Unforgettable.”

And Daley Blind posted: “What a great victory! We really played as a team fighting for each other with the fans in our back! Keep on fighting!”

It was not a great day for Liverpool but defender Mamadou Sakho wrote: “I'm obviously disappointed to have lost today but we gave our best, especially in the second half.

“Thank you to all the supporters, you were amazing!”