MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was upbeat although his side's 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Anfield.

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was upbeat although his side's 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Anfield.

Goals from Fernando Torres and David Ngog secured a 2-0 victory for Liverpool after a run of four successive defeats.

United, still two points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premiership, are at home to Blackburn on Saturday having travelled to Barnsley in the Carling Cup tomorrow.

While Ferguson said the best side won, he claimed: "Part of the challenge is to get over disappointments.

"Last season we lost at home 4-1 to Liverpool which was a travesty but went on to win the league."

Ferguson believes his side did not get a fair crack of the whip from referee Andre Marriner at Anfield.

Nemanja Vidic was sent off for two yellow cards and Ferguson questioned a number of the official's decisions.

He felt Vidic was unlucky to be red-carded and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher should have been dismissed after a challenge on former team-mate Michael Owen when he burst clear.

"It is a very difficult atmosphere here," said the Scot.

"There was a wounded animal aspect to the game and it was something we did not overcome.

"I think it affected our players and the referee.

"There were so many controversial things that happened we have to feel aggrieved at some of them.

"The Vidic booking was the worst decision, but the most controversial was Carragher bringing down Michael Owen. He was clear through.

"The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature and if Carragher goes off, he is their best player and their captain.

"Liverpool were the better team and deserved to win as it was a really disappointing performance from us."