Brendan Rodgers: 'Daniel Sturridge didn't dive'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed claims that striker Daniel Sturridge dived to win a penalty in the 3-0 win over Manchester United yesterday.

Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded the Reds their third penalty of the afternoon after Nemanja Vidic was given a second yellow card for a foul on the England international, with television replays showing that there was minimal contact in the incident.

However, Rodgers says that the 24-year-old went to ground "anticipating the contact" rather than with the intention to deliberately deceive the official.

He told Sky Sports: "I think he's anticipating the contact. I think it's one where he's gone over expecting it but he certainly hasn't dived."

Captain Steven Gerrard, who had earlier dispatched two earlier spot-kicks, missed the subsequent penalty and his chance to seal a hat-trick at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, Luis Suarez was on hand six minutes from the end to cap a memorable win for Rodgers's troops.

The Merseyside outfit moved four points adrift of leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table with a game in hand.