Unbendable Manchester United deny Liverpool top spot with draw at Anfield
Manchester United held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield, denying Liverpool the chance to reclaim first place in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s team pushed throughout a game they were strongly projected to win but were met with a resolute United. Erik ten Hag’s team could have won it on the counter-attack if Alisson hadn’t saved Rasmus Hojlund’s shot in the second half.
They tumble to second in the Premier League table, and their unblemished home record comes to an end. United are now seventh. Ten Hag was encouraged by the result as his sides waxed stronger against Liverpool compared to their previous poor outings.
Speaking after the game, the Manchester United boss said, “We should have taken more with the ball where we are capable of hurting the opponent more but you have to conclude we had the best chances in open play with Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.”
On Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, he said, “When you are good enough you are old enough. He proves that. We can get more joy from it. With his scanning and speed of action, he can see passes. He is a player who can really hurt opponents.”
Speaking on his team’s performance, Jorgen Klopp hinted that, “The decisiveness was not there today, not calm enough, too much of a rush,” he said. “When it is that intense, to make the right, calm decisions in the moment is another step.”
Liverpool play West Ham in a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday while Manchester United also play West Ham next in the Premier League, on Saturday 23 December.
