Steven Gerrard was sensationally sent off within 38 seconds of coming on the pitch at Anfield , after stamping on Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera . The Liverpool legend was left out of the starting line-up by Brendan Rodgers but came on at the start of the second half to rally the troops . However Gerrard found himself in deep trouble after clattering through Juan Mata before stamping on Herrera following a heavy challenge . Referee Martin Atkinson had no choice but to send off the perplexed Liverpool skipper after just 38 seconds of entering the fray . Steven Gerrard is shown the red card by referee Martin Atkinson after just 38 seconds of the second half . Gerrard ca n't believe it after being sent off for a reckless stamp on United 's Ander Herrera at Anfield . As Gerrard emerged from the tunnel , former Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports : ‘ He had to go on . Some of the Liverpool players froze out there in the first-half . Liverpool need some football arrogance on the pitch today. ’ Ahead of kick-off Carragher admitted he was not surprised by Brendan Rodgers ' decision to name Steven Gerrard on the bench for Liverpool 's crunch clash against Manchester United . Gerrard , who faced rivals United for the last time in a Liverpool shirt , had to make do with a place on the bench as Rodgers decided to go for a central midfield duo of Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen . Juan Mata ( top ) was on the receiving end of Gerrard 's first robust challenge after coming onto the pitch . Here is the stamp from Gerrard on Herrera after both players had competed for the ball . Gerrard clearly puts all his downwards force into Herrera 's right leg after the pair collided . Gerrard flings back the captain 's armband towards his team-mates having been sent off at Anfield . A evidently devastated Steven Gerrard leaves the pitch after just 38 seconds having been sent off . And Carragher felt it was the right decision . Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the Anfield battle , the former Liverpool defender said : 'No I 'm not surprised . 'He ’ s only played 20 minutes against Swansea recently because he ’ s been injured . 'Is Steven Gerrard a better player than Joe Allen ? Yes . But for Brendan Rodgers we ’ ve got to remember than Gerrard is leaving in the summer and Allen will be here next season . So although Rodgers is aiming for the top four that certainly comes into it . Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was named on the bench for his side 's match against Man United . Brendan Rodgers made the right call in naming Gerrard on bench before kick-off , according to Carragher . 'Steven Gerrard can come on after an hour and really lift the crowd when the legs are tired and use any extra space . ' Carragher 's fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Gary Neville also agreed with Rodgers ' decision . Neville said : 'It ’ s probably the starting line-up Manchester United expected . 'The question was more about whether Rodgers would return with the Manchester City formation with [ Raheem ] Sterling at the top but that would sacrifice Daniel Sturridge who brings them goals and is their best finisher , so he ’ s stuck . ' Gerrard has scored the most goals in the history of Liverpool 's matches against Manchester United . While Henry added : 'Gerrard would tell you if he ’ s not fit and the team is playing very well . 'Look he has the quality to come on and change the game . I wouldn ’ t say he should start but it would be an amazing story if he got the winner . ' Rodgers insisted before the match that Gerrard understood the decision regarding his omission . ‘ Steven ’ s got a great history in this fixture but also across his career , ' explained the Liverpool boss . 'He ’ s still a top class player but he understands the team is playing well . I had a word with him earlier in the week and told him my plan to stick with the team and he ’ s been brilliant working with the players . He ’ s definitely ready if he ’ s called upon . ' The 34-year-old has played 34 times against Manchester United during his prestigious career at Anfield .
mark foster was named on bench for his side 's match against United . Brendan Rodgers decided to stick with line - up which defeated hull . Liverpool goal came on Adam Lallana at the start of the second - half . Gerrard saw red for ##far on United 's goal sheet .