How Jurgen Klopp's flat Liverpool set-up failed to take advantage of a vulnerable Man United side

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  • Jurgen Klopp

    Manchester United were walking wounded during their Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Old Trafford as the injury-hit side managed to secure goalless draw on Sunday.

    Marcus Rashford was struggling early in proceedings after riding a challenge from Jordan Henderson but had to soldier for the full 90 minutes as injuries to Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and substitute Jesse Lingard – all the first half – saw the hosts blow through their quota of changes.

    Liverpool were also forced into one substitution as Roberto Firmino has to be replaced by Daniel Sturridge. However, they failed to find their rhythm in attack with Mohamed Salah in particular disappointing.

    Here’s how Jurgen Klopp fared as United were there for the taking.

    BASIC STATS

    Tactical battled: Solskjaer v Klopp

    Tactical battled: Solskjaer v Klopp

    30-SECOND REPORT

    Klopp opted to field both Fabinho and Henderson in a rather flat looking three-man midfield, with only Georginio Wijnaldum showing significant attacking intent. He also chose James Milner at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, citing the full-back’s return from injury as justification, but there may have been an element of risk management there after Rashford got the better of him in last season’s fixture.

    The visitors certainly dominated possession and looked far stronger on the ball, mainly in their ability to retain it, but failed to convert that superiority into chances. Instead, they were on the receiving end of the few good chances during the encounter while only managing one shot on target themselves.

    Jordan Henderson

    TACTICAL TALKING POINT

    Lack of forward movement

    Liverpool were facing a very different United side to the one they beat handsomely at Anfield in December, but Klopp’s tactics may have shown their opponents a little too much respect. With Anthony Martial and Matic injured and Lingard only making the bench, the hosts weren’t at their optimum level.

    That’s why the lack of movement in attack from Liverpool was baffling. They rarely took risks to the point that Joel Matip took it upon himself to drive into the area on one occasion.

    Especially with Rashford carrying a knock for most of the game and Lukaku not boasting the same searing pace to run in behind, the full-backs could’ve been far more adventurous.

    With 20 minutes on the clock, Klopp finally tried to spark Liverpool into life when he brought on Xherdan Shaqiri and moved to a 4-2-3-1 with the Swiss playing from the right and Salah playing through the middle. However, the Egyptian continued to struggled and was hooked soon after.

    Mohamed Salah was easily dealt with

    VERDICT

    This was not the performance of champions and Klopp – for all the frustration he directed towards his players on the touchline – needs to take a hard look at himself. He played it safe and missed a real opportunity for three big points at Old Trafford. The lack of drive from midfield was down to his selection.

    Rating 5/10

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