In the biggest derby of English football, Manchester United and Liverpool played 1-1. Both teams will regret after this match, but in general, the result seen at the Old Trafford is fair.
United had a lead for more than 50 minutes, but Adam Lallana’s struck in the late part of the game, stunned the Red Devils‘ fans. That allowed the reigning European champions to avoid its first defeat in the domestic campaign, and keep the distance between them and Manchester City.
We need to say that United played solid up until they’ve scored the opening goal. The Red Devils got the advantage after a controversial decision of the main referee, Martin Atkinson, who didn’t see an obvious foul on Divock Origi just a few yards away from him. That enabled the home team to make fast counter-attack which ended with Marcus Rashford’s goal. Even after checking the VAR system, Atkinson didn’t want to change his original decision.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile, was pretty sure that the Belgian international did suffer a foul.
“I think most people thought it was a foul,” said the Liverpool manager. “I am sure it was a foul.”
From that moment on, the Reds took over the wheel and started pressuring the rival. The goal was a wake-up call for Klopp’s guys who began with their usual style of play- high pressure, ball possession and extremely fast movement of the ball.
They did score once until the halftime, but that goal was cancelled due to Sadio Mane’s handball before his shot.
As soon as the second half began, Liverpool imposed a high tempo, and it was apparent that United can’t compete with the leaders. For many, it was just a matter of time before the guests’ score, but somehow, the Red Devils manage to resist L’Pool’s fury.
But that came to an end with 6 minutes before the end of the regular part of the event. Adam Lallana managed to react well and to beat De Gea, bringing one point to his side. It could have been the whole three, but the Reds didn’t have the composure in the ultimate minutes of this match. They kept on attacking, and if the game lasted for a few more minutes, who knows what could have happened.
Following the match, United’s manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated that the only thing important was the result.
“It’s important to get results. That’s the only way to grow confidence. A win would have been great, but a draw is a step in the right direction,” the Norwegian stated.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp talked about the fact that United constantly defends against Liverpool over the previous few games. Although it was obvious that this annoys the German, he did admit that it is a legit way of playing.
“This year, last year, the year before, they just defend,” he said. “That’s how it is. It is OK. It is no criticism. It is just a fact.
The Reds play against Genk in the Champions League this Wednesday, on the road. Meanwhile, Manchester United travels to Belgrade, to meet with Partizan in Europa League.
