Brendan Rodgers: 'Liverpool showed bravery and character'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised his players for showing bravery and character in the second half of their 2-1 Premier League home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

Juan Mata opened the scoring for the Red Devils in the first half before adding a second on the hour.

The hosts, however, pulled a goal back through Daniel Sturridge in the 69th minute despite having had Steven Gerrard sent off.

Rodgers told BBC Sport: "I was disappointed with the first half, our start position was way too deep. They were excellent and deserved their lead. But the players showed incredible bravery in the second half and showed character.

"Without playing great, we still had a good chance. We needed some luck but it wasn't to be. We will get a reaction after this and finish the season strongly.

"Steven apologised to the players and me in the dressing room. It was probably frustration, we didn't put a tackle in in the first half but the players adjusted well. We have to refocus on our next game and we knew there would be one or two defeats on reaching our points total."

The defeat sees fourth-placed Manchester United establish a four-point lead over fifth-placed Liverpool.