Manchester United right-back Rafael has said his equalising goal in Sunday’s win against Liverpool was the best he has scored for the club.

The sublime 51st minute strike brought the Red Devils level after opposing skipper Steven Gerrard opened the scoring – and Rafael said it was the best in his four-year stint at Old Trafford.

He also acknowledged that the timing of the goal was key, after his side initially failed to press home the one-man advantage brought about by Jonjo Shelvey’s sending off in the first half.

“It’s definitely the best goal I’ve scored for United,” he told MUTV.

“It was a good moment to get it because it was so quick after they scored. If we hadn’t had scored then we might have got a little bit nervous so it was an important time to get the goal.”

The young right-back also reflected on the importance of picking up all three points despite a below-par performance, and of beating Liverpool at Anfield – a feat United have failed to achieve in the last five seasons.

“It’s a very important three points,” he added.

“It wasn’t a great performance from us but in the last five years we haven’t won here so we’re very pleased.”