Wayne Rooney: 'I should have let Juan Mata take penalty against Liverpool'

Wayne Rooney has claimed that he should have given Juan Mata the chance to get a hat-trick when Manchester United were awarded a late penalty against Liverpool.

Mata scored both goals in the Red Devils' 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday.

Rooney stepped up to take a penalty deep into the second half of the clash, but his effort was saved by Simon Mignolet.

After the match, Rooney tweeted: "Very happy tonight. Fans were amazing. @juanmata8 great goals. Should of let him take penalty. And the United fan in the kop. Brilliant."

United are now five points clear of Liverpool in fourth place.