United stroll to 3-0 win thanks to David De Gea

David De Gea was insanely good on Sunday

David De Gea was magnificent as Manchester United scored three and the ball would not past the Spanish number one as United romped to a 3-0 win. 

Liverpool were made to pay for a lack of conviction in front of goal by a ruthless United side and a fine display from David de Gea.

United were the pre-match favourites after a decent run of form stretching back five consecutive victories, but it was Liverpool who started brightly this afternoon.

Steven Gerrard's early corner fell to Martin Skrtel in the box. The defender, often so clinical from corners and set pieces, hesitated before toe-poking the ball straight at David de Gea.

Liverpool kept up their early momentum and pinned United back in their own half for much of the opening 10 minutes. On the rare occasions United did manage to string together more than a pass or two, Liverpool kept their shape in midfield and pressed and pressed until possession was regained.

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However, it wasn't long before Liverpool's lack of a ruthless edge came back to haunt them in the worst way possible.

With United caught napping, Raheem Sterling ran in behind the defence and forced David de Gea to make a crucial save. It took just 25 seconds for United to capitalise at the other end, Wayne Rooney scoring in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Antonio Valencia went on a marauding run down the right wing, shrugging off Alberto Moreno with his pace, before picking out Rooney. The striker, inexcusably left to run into the box from deep in midfield by a lethargic Philippe Coutinho, side-footed the ball past Brad Jones, in goal today in place of the inconsistent Simon Mignolet.

The manner in which Liverpool conceded that goal seemed to suck the life out of the visitors, and United started to slowly but surely turn the screw. With Sterling Liverpool's sole attacking threat and United looking dangerous on the break, it was only a matter of time before the home side sniffed out a second goal.

When it came, it was a controversial goal that should not have stood. Juan Mata, clearly lurking in an offside position, headed the ball past Jones after a faint flick-on from Robin van Persie. The offside decision was poor, but the defending from Liverpool was equally disappointing.

After the half-time break, Sterling came up against De Gea yet again. This time it looked for all the world like Sterling would tap the ball into the gaping goal, but De Gea's quick feet and movement put him off, the goalkeeper winning yet another one-on-one battle.

Just as things couldn't get any worse for the visitors, they were reminded of the way in which United opened the scoring this afternoon, De Gea pulling off a fine save before his team's attacking intent made a difference at the other end.

This time, it was substitute Mario Balotelli who swung his boot at the ball with real power, forcing De Gea to tip the ball onto the crossbar. The ball was at the right height for the Spaniard to make the save, but it was a solid piece of goalkeeping nonetheless.

At the other end, just a few minutes later, Van Persie dispatched the ball past Jones after a fine assist from the unselfish Mata. Dejan Lovren should have cleared the ball from inside the box but, despite being under absolutely no pressure from any United player, he tapped it straight to Mata to set up the Dutchman.

The result leaves United full of confidence with a sixth consecutive win and nipping at the heels of their Manchester rivals and Chelsea. Liverpool, meanwhile, must regroup quickly ahead of a tricky midweek fixture against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup before hosting Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday.