Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Liverpool Jonjo Shelvey deserved to be sent off during the meeting of the North-West rivals this afternoon.

England youth international Shelvey was dismissed by referee Mark Halsey just before the break for a sliding challenge on United defender Jonny Evans.

Discussing the dismissal, Ferguson believes that Halsey was left with no choice but the brandish a red card.

"Jonjo Shelvey's sending off was a clear red card, there was a dangerous attempt to go for the ball. Jonny Evans went for the ball and got it, and I don't think there was any other decision referee could make," Ferguson told BBC Sport.

United went on to win the match 2-1.