Michael Carrick has admitted that Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool was 'extra special' due to the race for Champions League football.

United opened up a five-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Liverpool on Sunday thanks to their victory at Anfield.

Juan Mata scored both goals for Louis van Gaal's side, who now have the upper hand over their rivals in securing a top-four finish.

"This is the place to win, it's a massive game," Carrick told MUTV. "It doesn't matter where we are in the league, or where they are, it is always special but it had that extra bit of importance. They were chasing us and right on us so it was a massive win.

"The first-half performance was as good as we've played here. They always press and make it a high-tempo match, but I thought we got the ball down, played some terrific football and caused them a lot of problems. We were deservedly ahead at half time."

United continue their Premier League campaign on April 4 when they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford.