Klopp Left Frustrated By VAR And United Tactics

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Manchester United always set up to defend against his side following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The Premier League leaders went into the game on the back of eight straight top-flights wins, while United have been struggling following a poor start to the season.

However, it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men who almost snatched all three points as they led 1-0 going into the final minutes of the game thanks to a strike from Marcus Rashford on 36 minutes.

Liverpool snatched a point when Adam Lallana struck five minutes from time, and although happy not to lose the game, Klopp was clearly frustrated afterwards.

Much of the post-match conversation again centred on VAR as Klopp was convinced Rashford’s goal should have been ruled out for a foul by Victor Lindelof on Divock Origi in the build-up.

But he was also frustrated with United’s tactics, claiming they just defend. Klopp has failed to win in five trips to Old Trafford and says there was only one team trying to win this one. “This year, last year, the year before, they just defend,” he said.

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“That’s how it is. It is OK. It is no criticism. It is just a fact. “When you think about Manchester United against Liverpool, you think both teams are trying like this. But it is not. We try.”

Liverpool remain top of the Premier League, six points ahead of Manchester City, while United are two points above the relegation places.

Solskjaer felt his side deserved to hang on for the three points and also dismissed Klopp’s claim that they did not look to win. “We set the team up to attack and be aggressive and create chances and we did that,” said the Norwegian.

“We are better when we attack quickly, with no dilly-dallying on the ball. We need to be more direct, take more risks and be braver. It doesn’t matter if you lose the ball higher up the pitch because you can win it back.”