Wayne Rooney regrets taking Manchester United's late penalty at Anfield and wishes he had given Juan Mata the chance to complete his hat trick.
United captain Rooney stepped up after Emre Can fouled Daley Blind in injury time on Sunday but saw his spot kick saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Midfielder Mata had already scored two goals, including the scissor kick that ultimately proved decisive in their 2-1 win, and was denied the opportunity to become a rare visiting player to leave Anfield with the match ball.
Rooney praised the Spaniard for his finishes after his own record from 12 yards got worse.
The 29-year-old has only scored 18 of 26 Premier League penalties, while he has not found the net at Anfield since 2005.
Very happy tonight. Fans were amazing. @juanmata8 great goals. Should of let him take penalty. And the United fan in the kop. Brilliant
- Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) March 22, 2015
Vice-captain Michael Carrick also acclaimed Mata and felt it was a particularly significant result for Louis van Gaal's team.
"Big big result," he wrote on Twitter. "These are the ones that you remember, a lot more than just 3 points. Mr @juanmata8 magic, just magic."