Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Brendan Rodgers and Louis van Gaal Reaction

Manchester United waltzed away from Anfield with major bragging rights on Sunday after a Juan Mata brace led Louis van Gaal's side to a 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool. 

The away team were helped on by the sending-off of Steven Gerrard, who lasted just 43 seconds as a half-time substitute before seeing red for his stamp on Ander Herrera. The L.A. Galaxy-bound midfielder apologised for his actions, but Philippe Auclair of France Football wasn't totally convinced:

In a bid to defend the actions of the Liverpool icon, Liverpool chief Brendan Rodgers said Gerrard's first-half frustrations probably contributed to his lashing out, per Daniel Storey of Football 365:

The win marks a Premier League double for Van Gaal over rivals Liverpool and Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News quoted the helmsman as detailing just how essential a win this was:

It serves as deserved revenge for the Red Devils, who lost to rivals Liverpool twice last season as Brendan Rodgers' side mounted their bid for the Premier League title.

Van Gaal is now looking on to bigger and better things in the wake of this most recent triumph, the Dutchman noting that second place is his next priority, per Manchester United's official Twitter account:

However, Van Gaal was delighted to praise his team for their display against a full-strength Liverpool, proclaiming their dominance in the first period as the most impressive:

Liverpool remain in fifth but are now five points off United in fourth and are at a marked disadvantage in terms of goal difference.

For some Reds, their chances of a top-four finish may be done and dusted, but Rodgers was quoted by This Is Anfield as speaking hopefully of the team's bid to turn things around:

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rodgers did acknowledge that the result was "disappointing," but he hailed the bravery of his side in managing to stand up to United with 10 men in the second period:

Manchester United fans may struggle to recall an Anfield victory as domineering as Sunday's, where despite Daniel Sturridge's consolation goal, the travelling party looked in full control.

Mata sizzled home a wonderfully executed scissor-kick for his second of the match and deservedly earned the praise of Van Gaal, according to the official Premier League Twitter account:

The midfielder has come back into the side with much success of late, and Van Gaal shed some light on his tactical input to suggest where Mata is producing his best football:

With considerable daylight now between the two teams, Manchester United can revel in this result as one that boosts their Premier League ambitions as well as being a memorable triumph over fierce foes.

Van Gaal's comments would suggest the Red Devils' prospects are only increasing by the game, while Liverpool have a difficult schedule on their hands, travelling to Arsenal in a fortnight's time.

Before that, though, both teams can look forward to a week's rest from the Premier League spotlight and look to use the international break as a time for reflection.