United gains by forcing pain

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said his team's 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Sunday proved his methods are beginning to take effect at Old Trafford.

Secured by goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie, the win was United's sixth in a row and galvanized its grip on third place in the standings - but there were rough edges to the host's display.

Liverpool created a host of chances, with David de Gea earning the man-of-the-match award for a series of spectacular saves, while Mata's goal should have been ruled offside.