In a tense game of few chances, Ji-Sung Park headed United's winner on the hour to keep Ferguson's side clear at the top of the table.

However, Torres missed two clear openings to equalise, the most glaring of which came in the last minute.

“We are disappointed,” said Benitez.

“We didn't create too many chances but I felt we were always dangerous and in these games small details can make a big difference.

“It was a tight game and very close and we had a really good chance at the end for Fernando and Yossi.

“We made a great start and Fernando scored a very good goal but I felt we conceded too early. The penalty was the turning point for them and it made a big difference.

“We were playing well and we had confidence and one situation changed everything. We are disappointed but you cannot change these things. Sometimes they go your way but this season more than we expected things have gone against us.”

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson believed that Mascherano should have been dismissed.

He said: “I thought it was a red card.

“There was no way Carragher could get across and stop Valencia from shooting – he is took quick for Carragher to get across.

“The law is if you stop someone from having a goalscoring opportunity it is a red card. Not today.”