The United man needs just one more goal to break the all-time goal scoring record for the club, which would be an incredible achievement. On that night the sides’ fortunes were very different, as United entered into it against a Liverpool who were flying high, while Mourinho’s men were struggling considerably. Although Liverpool made is hard for United to play their usual game – the German will have acknowledged the chances the home team squandered. It was a tight encounter. Manchester United created more quality chances than Liverpool but wasted majority.
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“We attacked and Liverpool were the team that defended”, said Mourinho.
Klopp’s side led for the majority of the game at Old Trafford after James Milner slotted home a first-half penalty. Liverpool were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Pogba’s hands inside the box.
United sensed their opportunity to close the gap on their fierce rivals, but play continued in its end-to-end format, with both sides looking for the victor as full time approached. First, he saved Zlatan Ibrahimovic free-kick, and moments later blocked Mkhitrayan’s shot at goal in the first half.
United remained in the ascendancy after taking the lead, and created a couple of other good chances before the interval.
These two teams pretty much pick themselves when everyone is fit, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Philippe Coutinho play from the start.
The importance of set pieces should never be underestimated and Pogba’s mistake nearly cost Manchester United dearly.
Anthony Martial – 6.5: Looked lively at times, but couldn’t unsettle Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fact that their star striker was starved of quality balls throughout the game yet managed to score his 14th league goal of the season to go on the top of the charts along with Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez, speaks volumes of his pedigree.
United tried to hit back and received a lifeline when Pogba somehow wasn’t punished for an aggressive move on Jordan Henderson, grabbing the midfielder in some kind of choke hold from behind.
The loose ball fell to Antonio Valencia, who lifted the ball across for a stooping Ibrahimovic to restore parity.
Liverpool were plagued by injuries and selection issues in the run up to the clash at Old Trafford, while they also put in a poor performance when beaten by Southampton in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final in midweek.
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Mourinho, meanwhile, whose side was chastised for adopting supposedly ultra-defensive tactics during the goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Anfield in October, was happy to point the finger of negativity in Klopp’s direction.
