LIVERPOOL – Juan Mata scored twice and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard drew a red card 32 seconds after coming off the bench to start the second half, carrying Manchester United to a 2-1 victory Sunday in the English Premier League football competition.
United moved a step closer to returning to Champions League play.
Chelsea maintained their pursuit of the Premier League title with a 3-2 win at Hull.
United were leading when Gerrard received his red card for stomping on Ander Herrera. Gerrard joins the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer after the season.
Mata added to his 14th-minute goal with a spectacular scissor-kick in the 59th. Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge scored in the 69th.
Wayne Rooney’s penalty kick was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet at the end.
Fourth-place United pulled five points ahead of Liverpool to tighten their hold on the fourth and final Champions League qualification place. First-place Chelsea remain six points ahead of Manchester City.
