JAVIER MASCHERANO’S dismissal in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday has earned him little sympathy from his Manchester United opponents.
The Argentina international clattered into Paul Scholes for his first booking in the 11th minute of the Premier League match - and then was shown his second yellow card for confronting referee Steve Bennett just before half-time to complain about team-mate Fernando Torres’s caution.
Mascherano’s behaviour came in the wake of Chelsea defender Ashley Cole’s show of petulance to referee Mike Riley last week and the Football Association’s launch of their ’Respect’ campaign - aimed at improving conduct towards officials.
For those reasons alone, he should perhaps have been more careful - and most people in the United camp felt the 23-year-old pressed the self-destruct button.
United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz underlined the Old Trafford opinion, saying: "The boy seemed to be looking for trouble."
Sir Alex Ferguson said:s view on Mascherano’s dismissal was also pretty clear "I don’t know why the boy got involved. He had been booked, so he put himself on a knife-edge with what he did. This last week the focus has been on dissent - people have been talking about it - and in that context it was clear it was going to be an issue at the weekend."
And United’s players have a growing belief their club’s 17th league title is now within their grasp.
Yesterday’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Liverpool - and Arsenal’s defeat at Chelsea - leaves Sir Alex Ferguson’s side Now five points clear at the top of the Premier League with seven matches to go.
In the aftermath of their win at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra revealed confidence was high within the camp as United moved a step closer to the title they won last season.
"We are now in a great position - but not just because we have beaten Liverpool," said France defender Evra. "We are in this position because we have played consistently well - and now we have seven games left. That means seven cup finals, but we have our destiny in our own hands now."
Carrick was equally bullish, saying: "At our best we can beat anyone, and the title is in our own hands.
"We knew a few weeks ago we were three points behind and we needed to get points on the board - and that is what we have done.
"Now the door is open for us. We have a tough run-in, so we are not taking anything for granted - but we are happy to be in this position.
"We have a great chance now, and it is down to us."