Boss: We could have had more

United blasted three goals past arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson insisting it could have been many more.

Wes Brown opened the scoring in the 34th minute before late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani sealed the three points.

“The 3-0 scoreline wasn’t flattering,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “Not at all. Wayne Rooney could have had a hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick… we certainly had the better chances and the better penetration.

“I was disappointed we didn’t finish them off earlier. When we did get the second goal there was relief right around the ground.”

Tomorrow’s papers will undoubtedly focus on referee Steve Bennett’s decision to send off Javier Mascherano just before half time for dissent. The Argentine midfielder was already on a yellow card when he ran over to Bennett to protest another decision.

“The boy had already been booked and dissent is dissent,” Sir Alex said. “There’s been a lot of focus on dissent after what happened with Ashley Cole. I don’t know why he got involved in the situation. He’s come running across the field to argue with the referee.

“The sending off gave us control of the match, although I think we had reasonable control up until that point.”

The three points propelled United further ahead at the top of the Barclays Premier League, although the manager said the result won’t have direct bearing on the title race.

“We’ve done our job but we’re not getting carried away. You can’t get carried away in his league. But it’s a good morale boost, that’s for sure."