[Finn MacCool]

Utter nonsense. Liverpool looked terrified last night. United rattled your team, rattled the crowd (not difficult) and rattled your manager. Particularly evident in the first half, which was played almost entirely in your half of the field.

With the onus on you to attack as the home team you just didn't want to.

We were poor in the first half - partly due to your good setup, partly due to missing two key components from our midfield and arguably due to nerves/pressure of expectation from all the hype.

Its a large leap from those reasons to being "terrified" - if you were writing a review of the game that comment comes under artistic licence.

Its a good point for Utd away from home - but if you're really going to challenge for the title, which your manger says is the goal, you really need all 3 against the plastics or you will start to be cut adrift from City and Arsenal. 8 points may not seem like much this early, but it means you won't be able to afford many slip-ups from here on.

 

[Sandikan]

It's astounding that people seem angry that we didn't just play a crazy open attacking game against a team who have been in good form, and are smashing loads of goals in.

Tactics were spot on, and another day we'd have stolen a win.

 

[redman5]

Must be worrying that Fellaini then went on to piss all over your midfield.

Are you at home to West Brom? Maybe you'll actually get out of your own half in the first 45 against them.

Credit where it's due though. A lot of United fans on here did say we'd struggle against the mediocre sides who work hard & are well organized.

 

[dwd]

They're still 'feeeeewmin'!

 

[DomesticTadpole]

They're still 'feeeeewmin'!

New show and they are still at it?

 

[Cassady]

I thought we did well throughout the match. The first half we totally dominated them, unfortunately we couldn't make the most out of it and get a goal or two but Ibra had a stinker. Second half Liverpool slowly grew into it but on the whole they looked average, Mane looked like the average player he is and Firmino and Coutinho were very quiet. It's just a shame we couldn't get at their dodgy keeper a bit more.
All in all a good performance, a good point to get but maybe we could have had the other two as well.

Totally dominated ?

Stopped us from playing but totally dominated .... ????

 

[AXVnee7]

Re-watched the match and I still maintain our first half was better than the first half of Juanfield. Our pressing was sublime and we were bossing them around for fun. Every ball they played was loose and their first touches were all over the place.

It's a shame we got deeper and deeper in the 2nd half, but I can understand it from Jose's point of view. A loss would've been a real psychological blow for us and a boost for LFC. So overall I see why Jose played it safe. Nevertheless, LFC fans here showing their bitterness and I haven't even been a regular for long. They can't take it how we beat them at their own game, then managed the game to secure a draw rather than risk a loss going for a win. Daniel Sturridge has ONE touch in our box in the first half. Only in the second where we decided to sit back did you then start looking lively.

 

[Kraftwerker]

Credit where it's due though. A lot of United fans on here did say we'd struggle against the mediocre sides who work hard & are well organized.

Still fewmin' redman?

Follow my suggestion from the other thread.

 

[Klopper76]

the main vibe ive had from the media is getting criticised for being defensive, parked bus, spent a trillion and is a coward. When we had 70% possession for 2 seasons under LVG it was criticised, when Liverpool have it and don't win its an injustice, as you were supposed to stick 3 past us last night

I got the impression that he was being credited for a great tactical display, which is why I was confused. A great tactical display would have resulted in a victory, and United picking up a much needed win to close the gap on the sides at the top. I don't consider it an injustice that we didn't dominate the game and win comfortably though. That's on us for not being able to adjust to United's game plan enough to win the game. Can and Coutinho weren't anywhere near as forward thinking as Lallana and Wijnaldum normally are which is concerning. It looks like injuries in certain areas could damage our attacking flow.

Yeah but how many times will you guys mention the money we spent. It should be clear as the day that you can't buy a winning team. First you buy, then build from there.
And if my team bought quick fixes such as Benteke and Carroll I'd stay quiet about what others spend.

My thinking was that United had brought Mourinho and the likes of Ibrahimovic and Pogba in to compete for the league again and show that there is life after Ferguson. That's why I had you down to win it this season, but as of right now I don't think either of us look like winning the league which I'd say is more alarming for you than us. I don't think finishing fourth is what Mourinho had in mind when he came in. It's still early but do you think you'll compete for the title as things stand currently? If not do you consider top four good enough for this season?

We all know how rubbish most of our signings have been in the past. That isn't relevant when discussing United.

There are United fans in here overrating their sides performance, and Liverpool fans doing the same thing. I think we can all agree that a draw was a fair result considering how the game went. I''m still not entirely convinced that it was a good result for United given that we were there to be beaten, especially early on. We'll have a clearer picture when the sides meet again in January. If you win next week it could be the lift needed to drive you forward.

 

[Klopper76]

It's the same fans/journos who were expecting a hammering that are now seemingly pissed off that we stopped them scoring. You'd think United lost if you looked at some of the articles posted today.

A lot of your own fan base seemed to be predicting a hammering for some reason. Someone said in the match thread that it was a surprisingly high % predicting a Liverpool win.

 

[Finn MacCool]

Re-watched the match and I still maintain our first half was better than the first half of Juanfield. Our pressing was sublime and we were bossing them around for fun. Every ball they played was loose and their first touches were all over the place.

It's a shame we got deeper and deeper in the 2nd half, but I can understand it from Jose's point of view. A loss would've been a real psychological blow for us and a boost for LFC. So overall I see why Jose played it safe. Nevertheless, LFC fans here showing their bitterness and I haven't even been a regular for long. They can't take it how we beat them at their own game, then managed the game to secure a draw rather than risk a loss going for a win. Daniel Sturridge has ONE touch in our box in the first half. Only in the second where we decided to sit back did you then start looking lively.

Utd didn't press in the first half the way we press - they got tight and closed down. There is a key difference, in that Liverpool's counter press is done high up the pitch, and in numbers - Utd closed down all over the pitch and at times were also man for man.

Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking it - it worked well. But you didn't beat us at our own game - in fact you didn't beat us. You were the first prem team not to score against us this season and to achieve that you paid us a massive compliment by having 6 at the back at times

 

[Tom Van Persie]

I have to admit I was terrified Utd would score 2 and overtake us. Thankfully Moyesrinho's use of Young and Fellaini eased that somewhat.

Got Pulis next. Wow, just had a deja vu moment.

Fellaini shat all over captain fantastic Hendo and the rest of your midfield. I was going to say it's been fun seeing Liverpool fans cry about last night but I just remembered it's been 26 years of nothing but bitterness from you scousers so it's nothing new really.

 

[redman5]

Still fewmin' redman?

Follow my suggestion from the other thread.

Quite happy with the point matey. Fully expected us to get beat last night. 8 games in & 2 wins & 2 draws against Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, & United. Still just 2 points off the top. What's not to like ? Based on our last 2 first half performances I fear it'll not last though. Nonetheless I've enjoyed this season's Premier League ride a lot more than you I imagine.

 

[Powderfinger]

Neither team looked particularly impressive, partly because of the way both teams set up. Liverpool couldn't handle the high press at all and then was fairly clueless when trying to break down a deep line. On the bright side, they were very comfortable defensively and they did a good job not allowing United a lot of corners and dangerous free kicks, which most people expected to be big opportunities for United to score. United had a very good tactical plan and were solid defensively but were completely toothless in attack. Other than Pogba once beating his man with a moment of magic and sending in that excellent cross for Ibra, I don't think there was a single moment when I thought "Hey, that was some good stuff played there" by United. Part of the problem was that Liverpool played it fairly cautiously and didn't commit that many men forward. Nevertheless, you still have to generate some kind of threat.

 

[Dec9003]

Totally dominated ?

Stopped us from playing but totally dominated .... ????

You had nine touches in our half
In what way is completely stopping your opposition from playing not domination?

 

[Kraftwerker]

Quite happy with the point matey. Fully expected us to get beat last night. 8 games in & 2 wins & 2 draws against Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, & United. Still just 2 points off the top. What's not to like ? Based on our last 2 first half performances I fear it'll not last though. Nonetheless I've enjoyed this season's Premier League ride a lot more than you I imagine.

It's the hope that kills you...

 

[Jaxdan]

A lot of your own fan base seemed to be predicting a hammering for some reason. Someone said in the match thread that it was a surprisingly high % predicting a Liverpool win.

I thought Liverpool would win at home, especially comparing the form of both going in. We are still finding our way somewhat, and I think Klopp is more on top of his side right now. Just being realistic...doesn't mean we are jumping ship or not fully expecting to get better.

 

[Finn MacCool]

You had nine touches in our half
In what way is completely stopping your opposition from playing not domination?

Its hard to argue a team with 35% possession dominated the opposition (interestingly, Utd's lowest in the prem since Opta stats began in 2003) - if you said controlling parts of the game by positioning, closing down and not allowing chances then it describes it better.

I think we had more than 9 touches in your half btw.

 

[Klopper76]

Neither team looked particularly impressive, partly because of the way both teams set up. Liverpool couldn't handle the high press at all and then was fairly clueless when trying to break down a deep line. On the bright side, they were very comfortable defensively and they did a good job not allowing United a lot of corners and dangerous free kicks, which most people expected to be big opportunities for United to score. United had a very good tactical plan and were solid defensively but were completely toothless in attack. Other than Pogba once beating his man with a moment of magic and sending in that excellent cross for Ibra, I don't think there was a single moment when I thought "Hey, that was some good stuff played there" by United. Part of the problem was that Liverpool played it fairly cautiously and didn't commit that many men forward. Nevertheless, you still have to generate some kind of threat.

I think part of our problem was a lack of forward running from Can and Coutinho. Maybe that was due to United's midfield having a handle on them but Can especially didn't look comfortable ar any stage, regardless of pressure being on him or not.

You had nine touches in our half
In what way is completely stopping your opposition from playing not domination?

I'm sure this statistic is incorrect. The statistic I heard at half time was that both teams together had nine touches in the oppositions penalty area? So something like five from you and four from us.

 

[TheReligion]

If you call 0-0 getting the better of someone

You also exaggerate the time Klopp has had to transform Liverpool and underestimate the effect of Mourinho on your squad, you are light-years ahead already from LvG, tactically.

Klopp has had just 8 months longer in office, and for both it was their first pre-season (as such). We also have players from 3 different managers (Henderson was signed by Dalglish and of the other 13 players that made an appearance yesterday 9 of them were signed by Rodgers). Klopp hasn't bought any more first teamers than Mourinho (ca. 4 for each team I believe, though of course that can vary due to injuries or opposition). I don't think either manager is anywhere near the team they will eventually call 'their own'. In another 2 more transfer windows perhaps.

It wasn't the 0-0 result was the fact we completely nullified your attack. Klopp had no answer.

 

[Dec9003]

Its hard to argue a team with 35% possession dominated the opposition - if you said controlling parts of the game by positioning, closing down and not allowing chances then it describes it better.

I think we had more than 9 touches in your half btw.

If you bothered to read my original post you'd know I was talking about the first half. That said we were in control throughout, letting the likes of Hendo look clueless in midfield doesn't mean we weren't in control.

 

[johnny boy]

If you bothered to read my original post you'd know I was talking about the first half. That said we were in control throughout, letting the likes of Hendo look clueless in midfield doesn't mean we weren't in control.

Surely if you were in control throughout you would have actually threatened our goal a bit more - or was it just settling for a 0-0 (cue mass celebration at that result).

 

[TheReligion]

I think the Liverpool fans protest too much.

Rather than whinging about United you should look at your own. 65% possession and 2 shots on target at home is pretty poor whatever spin you want to put on it.

The result is a better one for United than it is Liverpool. Klopp knew it aswell.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Its hard to argue a team with 35% possession dominated the opposition - if you said controlling parts of the game by positioning, closing down and not allowing chances then it describes it better.

I think we had more than 9 touches in your half btw.

We didn't control the game with possesion we just didn't give you lot anytime on the ball and Liverpool just never got going because of that. Liverpool had that one really good spell with Can's shot. We had one clear chance with Pogba's cross to Ibra. Neither side really threatened tbh we were both toothless going forward.We just shut up shop and didn't give Liverpool a sniff. A very good defensive and tactical performance from United.

The media and everyone else who is whinging and trying to make jokes out of United playing defensive away at Anfield need to give their heads a good wobble. Cry me a fecking river.

 

[Finn MacCool]

If you bothered to read my original post you'd know I was talking about the first half. That said we were in control throughout, letting the likes of Hendo look clueless in midfield doesn't mean we weren't in control.

It doesn't matter which half - you didn't dominate either. You controlled the game at times because you packed the defence, sat back and your two central defenders didn't play out, which negated our counter-press. Your tactics worked - no arguments there, but domination is not the way to describe it.

 

[clarkydaz]

I think the Liverpool fans protest too much.

Rather than whinging about United you should look at your own. 65% possession and 2 shots on target at home is pretty poor whatever spin you want to put on it.

The result is a better one for United than it is Liverpool. Klopp knew it aswell.

welcome to the philosophy

 

[Dec9003]

Surely if you were in control throughout you would have actually threatened our goal a bit more - or was it just settling for a 0-0 (cue mass celebration at that result).

We made chances we just couldn't get them on target. If Ibra and Fellaini could have done better with their headers we'd have won comfortably.
I get that you're hurting because you were made out as the average side that you were at Anfield. But it's not a result we should be celebrating, we should have won if anything.

 

[Dec9003]

It doesn't matter which half - you didn't dominate either. You controlled the game at times because you packed the defence, sat back and your two central defenders didn't play out, which negated our counter-press. Your tactics worked - no arguments there, but domination is not the way to describe it.

The difference between dominating and being in control is semantics, i probably should've worded it differently. We were in control for the full match against what is supposed to be a great side though so I'm not complaining.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Surely if you were in control throughout you would have actually threatened our goal a bit more - or was it just settling for a 0-0 (cue mass celebration at that result).

Nope I believe us not conceding was the priority but we were looking to nick a goal and came really close to doing that with Pogba's cross to Ibra where Ibra should've done better. Our attack just never got going. Ibra having an off day and Pogba playing as a number 10 didn't help that. Now stop acting like Liverpool were all over United. You lot had one clear chance the whole game. We shut you lot out. Herrera and Fellaini bossed your midfield.

 

[johnny boy]

We made chances we just couldn't get them on target. If Ibra and Fellaini could have done better with their headers we'd have won comfortably.
I get that you're hurting because you were made out as the average side that you were at Anfield. But it's not a result we should be celebrating, we should have won if anything.

We aren't hurting, we didn't win and didn't play well - but we are still fourth in the league and ahead of where most of us thought we would be (not that it will last).

If we were average then mighty Man United would have beaten us, but all that flair, skill, panache has long since gone so now we have a tactical 0-0 - yeehaw.

Nope I believe us not conceding was the priority but we were looking to nick a goal and came really close to doing that with Pogba's cross to Ibra where Ibra should've done better. Our attack just never got going. Ibra having an off day and Pogba playing as a number 10 didn't help that. Now stop acting like Liverpool were all over United. You lot had one clear chance the whole game. We shut you lot out. Herrera and Fellaini bossed your midfield.

Where have I said that! You shut us out and got a 0-0, well done.

 

[cyberman]

It doesn't matter which half - you didn't dominate either. You controlled the game at times because you packed the defence, sat back and your two central defenders didn't play out, which negated our counter-press. Your tactics worked - no arguments there, but domination is not the way to describe it.

Who packed the defence?

 

[AXVnee7]

Utd didn't press in the first half the way we press - they got tight and closed down. There is a key difference, in that Liverpool's counter press is done high up the pitch, and in numbers - Utd closed down all over the pitch and at times were also man for man.

Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking it - it worked well. But you didn't beat us at our own game - in fact you didn't beat us. You were the first prem team not to score against us this season and to achieve that you paid us a massive compliment by having 6 at the back at times

I agree the way we pressed was different, but ultimately pressing is about regaining possession of the ball and forcing your opposition into mistakes. In that regard yeah we got the same results you've been having against other teams. You guys couldn't handle it, especially Firmino and Sturridge.

 

[Finn MacCool]

We didn't control the game with possesion we just didn't give you lot anytime on the ball and Liverpool just never got going because of that. Liverpool had that one really good spell with Can's shot. We had one clear chance with Pogba's cross to Ibra. Neither side really threatened tbh we were both toothless going forward.We just shut up shop and didn't give Liverpool a sniff. A very good defensive and tactical performance from United.

The media and everyone else who is whinging and trying to make jokes out of United playing defensive away at Anfield need to give their heads a good wobble. Cry me a fecking river.

I think the reason the media are whinging is because they're disappointed after all the hype - they have little to nothing to report, aside from the black cat on the pitch pre-match.

We cut you open twice but failed to take advantage both times - once because Can delayed too long and couldn't get a decent shot away, and secondly because of a brilliant last ditch tackle from Valencia.

It was an excellent defensive performance by Utd - but we helped you out in the first half by being so shite. you should have taken advantage of us in that half, but Young and Rashford were more concerned about defending.

 

[Klopper76]

I think the Liverpool fans protest too much.

Rather than whinging about United you should look at your own. 65% possession and 2 shots on target at home is pretty poor whatever spin you want to put on it.

The result is a better one for United than it is Liverpool. Klopp knew it aswell.

See now I think you're being harsh, give United some credit. The reason we had so few chances is because of how good United's game plan was. Mourinho deserves credit for getting one over on Klopp.

Not sure I agree it's a good result for United. As a one off result it's good but you do need to start putting a run of wins together at some point.

We made chances we just couldn't get them on target. If Ibra and Fellaini could have done better with their headers we'd have won comfortably.
I get that you're hurting because you were made out as the average side that you were at Anfield. But it's not a result we should be celebrating, we should have won if anything.

Aren't the chances you're referring to equally as relevant as Firmino's header straight at De Gea in the first half, and Coutinho/Can's chances that forced saves from De Gea in the second? I'd say we matched each other in terms of chances created.

 

[Coops73]

I thought tactically Maureen got it spot on, at he end of the day the onus is on Liverpool to attack us as they are at home and the way we set up completely stifled that, causing them to make mistakes especially in the first half, ok it wasn't the most entertaining of games but as Giggs rightly said if we'd of lost this with Fenerbache, Chelsea and city coming up it could of been really detrimental to the teams confidence heading into what will be quite a tricky run of games. We could of won it 1-0 or lost it 2-0 but for De Geas saves but football is like that, it can't always be swashbuckling champagne stuff no matter what that prick Mickey Quinn on talkshite would have everyone believe. I personally would of taken the draw before the game but obviously would of preferred the win but thems the breaks.

 

[Kraftwerker]

Surely if you were in control throughout you would have actually threatened our goal a bit more - or was it just settling for a 0-0 (cue mass celebration at that result).

I think we were dominant in the first two thirds of the pitch. The final third kept letting us down. Ball wasn't sticking up front, some poor concession of possession, we were failing to get crosses in, and when we finally created a clear cut chance, it was fluffed.

Don't think anyone is saying United were brilliant from back to front.

 

[Dec9003]

We aren't hurting, we didn't win and didn't play well - but we are still second in the league and ahead of where most of us thought we would be (not that it will last).

If we were average then mighty Man United would have beaten us, but all that flair, skill, panache has long since gone so now we have a tactical 0-0 - yeehaw.

Aren't you fourth though? We made you look average and as I said if we'd had a bit more luck with our chances it would've been a comfortable win against a lesser side.

 

[Finn MacCool]

Who packed the defence?

Did you watch the game on TV or at Anfield? During the after match analysis they showed Utd had a back six on several occasions.

 

[Dec9003]

Aren't the chances you're referring to equally as relevant as Firmino's header straight at De Gea in the first half, and Coutinho/Can's chances that forced saves from De Gea in the second? I'd say we matched each other in terms of chances created.

No because De Gea matched the shots with ease. If we'd have got more shots on target Karius would've conceded for sure.

 

[johnny boy]

Aren't you fourth though? We made you look average and as I said if we'd had a bit more luck with our chances it would've been a comfortable win against a lesser side.

Yeah 4th, my mistake - I don't think you can call it bad luck, your attack was pretty feeble.