Ferguson: Liverpool's Mascherano should have seen red

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was adamant Liverpool's Javier Mascherano should have been sent off when he brought down Antonio Valencia at Old Trafford.

The Argentine international conceded a penalty from which Wayne Rooney equalised, but Ferguson believes he should have seen red.

Ferguson said: "I thought the penalty kick decision was a red card, because I do not see how anyone could have stopped Valencia from shooting.

"That is a goalscoring opportunity as far as I am concerned."

United won a tense match 2-1, courtesy of Park Ji'sung's second half winner.

And Ferguson told Sky Sports: "It was very tight and Liverpool are good at stopping you playing, we know that because that is your strength.

"But you have got to be patient and we scored a tremendous goal from Park Ji-sung, who played another vital role for us today."

Ferguson accepted the match had not been a classic.

"I am sure it wasn't, but it was so intense and you could not take your eyes off it - there was no-one watching on television who went for a cup of tea, that is for sure,' he said.

"Vidic was magnificent today. We have a very experienced back four, a very experienced goalkeeper and that gives us a real outstanding chance, albeit with seven difficult matches - but we have all got difficult matches, so what does it matter?

"It could very well go to the wire, if you look at the run-ins for the teams."

 
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