Liverpool-United talking points

Liverpool and Manchester United shared the points at Anfield on Monday Night Football – and here we take a look at the talking points from the clash.

It was just the second time in Premier League history a match-up between these two sides has ended goalless – although United had David de Gea to thank for a couple of superb second-half saves. 

Here are the key issues from the showdown…

United stifle Liverpool

Both Jurgen Klopp and his captain Jordan Henderson told Sky Sports of their frustration at not reaching their top level against Manchester United. Liverpool had gone into the game as the most exciting team in the Premier League, with 18 goals from seven games – but they were stifled by the tactics employed by United and Jose Mourinho.

In the first half, United stalled any hope the hosts had of making a fast start. Marcus Rashford crashed into James Milner early on, which was one of 10 fouls made by United players in the opening 45 minutes. Their final tally of 20 was their highest of the season so far and disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm.   

The home side didn’t have a shot until 22 minutes in, while their passing accuracy – normally at 84.6 per cent – was down to 77.4 per cent midway through the first half. Gary Neville and, at half-time, Ryan Giggs praised the way Mourinho’s side “quietened the crowd” and “frustrated Liverpool”.

Ashley Young showed why he’d been selected for his first start in the league since January with his diligent defensive work, including a key tackle on Nathaniel Clyne in his own penalty box just before the break, while Ander Herrera, the man of the match, also showed discipline and bite, topping the match statistics for interceptions (10) and tackles (seven).

But for a miscued header from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United could have walked away with all three points. But was that approach befitting of the United way? Jamie Carragher wasn’t so sure.

“That performance tonight, I wouldn’t expect that from a Manchester United team. Especially second-half, how defensive it was,” Carragher said. “But you’d expect it from a Jose Mourinho team. I don’t think there’s anyone better in world football as a manager at nullifying the opposition and stopping a team. But would Manchester United fans accept tonight how defensive they were?”  

De Gea’s stunning saves

Manchester United limited Liverpool to just nine shots on Monday, their lowest total in the Premier League this season by some distance. However, with two of …

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