Gerrard sent off within a minute of coming off the bench

Steven Gerrard was sent off less than a minute after coming on at half-time during Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United.

The Liverpool captain replaced Adam Lallana at the interval, with the hosts trailing to Juan Mata’s 14th-minute goal, but what is likely to be his last game against United came to an abrupt end.

Gerrard – who will depart to join LA Galaxy at the end of the season – went in for a 50-50 challenge with Ander Herrera, who he then stamped upon as the Spaniard lay on the floor.

The midfielder is now set for a three-match suspension, meaning he will miss a crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal, as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn Rovers and a league meeting with Newcastle United.

Since returning from a hamstring injury, Gerrard has been restricted to substitute’s appearances as Liverpool’s superb form has seen them climb back into the reckoning for a top-four finish.