ROBIN VAN PERSIE believes Michael Carrick’s performance in central defence played a key part in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
Louis van Gaal was forced into another defensive reshuffle following Marcos Rojo’s injury during training on Friday but a back three of Carrick, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones, along with a stellar display from goalkeeper David De Gea, was able to nullify Liverpool at Old Trafford.
“I think today Carrick at the back made a big difference,” Van Persie told Sky Sports.
“He’s so confident on the ball. Jones played really well, all the back four or five played really well. They were really calm today.”
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Van Persie secured United’s sixth consecutive victory which has given the club a three-point cushion over West Ham, who sit in fourth place.
“I think in those games it’s always important to score first,” said the Dutchman.
“It just gives you an extra bit of confidence, and although I think at times we were a bit sloppy, but overall we kept the ball well and played the ball well.”
Mata’s goal from close range doubled United’s lead five minutes before the break but Van Persie admits he got a touch on the ball, which put the Spaniard in a offside position when he fired past Brad Jones.
“I got a touch, yeah, I have to be honest,” Van Persie said. “I got a touch so you can put that down as an assist!”
