Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Nemanja Vidic must cop the criticism from yesterday's performance against Liverpool.

For Vidic, it was an absolute nightmare. The colossus at the heart of Fergie's back four paid a high price for hesitating and then being outpaced by Fernando Torres for Liverpool's first goal. He got no sympathy from his manager.

"He's a human being and he made a mistake," growled Sir Alex. "Unfortunately for us, it was a costly one."

It got worse for Vidic when he hauled down Steven Gerrard and was sent off, earning his second red card against Liverpool this season. He was walking down the tunnel as Aurelio curled in Liverpool's third goal from the resulting free-kick and Fergie added: "I couldn't argue. Gerrard was clear to have a shot on goal."