However, a Wayne Rooney goal late into the second half completed Manchester United’s smash-and-grab, with Anfield disappointed having dominated the game. But as you say, when it is happening to Liverpool, it can happen also to Manchester United.
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The fixture between the two North-West giants is always one of the high points of the Premier League season and has seen more than it’s fair share of red cards over the years, with former United defender Nemanja Vidic managing to collect four himself in a six-year spell.
Until that point, David de Gea had kept a rampant Liverpool side at bay with a string of fine saves in the second period, as United struggled to replicate the impressive offensive display from Wednesday’s draw at Newcastle. “Of course it is frustrating”.
The manager acknowledged that Liverpool’s familiar inability to deal with balls into the penalty area had also played its part.
Klopp suggested his side had played “not too bad” throughout, but once more an inability to take their chances, or defend set pieces, came back to haunt them. “That is our responsibility”.
Rooney was isolated for much of this game, feeding off scraps, but took his chance well with a true strike after Fellaini rattled the crossbar with a header. Gone was the flicker of entertainment that briefly permeated Manchester United’s drab season, with Louis van Gaal’s side again offering precious little inspiration going forward.
Liverpool have 11 players in the treatment room, although they showed real resilience to gain a point against Arsenal.
The Dutchman was then asked what he feels will be the key to winning the game.
Manchester United: De Gea (9), Young (6), Smalling (7), Blind (7), Darmian (7), Schneiderlin (7), Fellaini (7), Lingard (6), Ander Herrera (7), Martial (7), Rooney (8).
Liverpool will be looking to continue their climb towards the top four of the Premier League table when they host Manchester United at Anfield. But Klopp’s substitutes, Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke failed to swing the game back into Liverpool’s favor in their 15- and 10-minute outings, respectively. You have to celebrate wins together, go through defeats together, but you want to play football people want to talk about.
“Liverpool is such an important opponent of United, in history, that (beating them) is more beneficial than beating other teams”, he said.
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And, amid a frenetic start, the Brazilian’s clever pass allowed Lallana a header on target before Roberto Firmino sent the rebound wide following a smart stop from David de Gea.
