LIVERPOOL 0, MAN UNITED 0
Jose Mourinho pulled off yet another tactical masterclass in Manchester United’s goalless draw at Liverpool.
After an uninspiring start to the season by United, the heat was on Mourinho for the eagerly-awaited meeting at Anfield.
And though it was not a meeting for the purveyors of fine football, it was an intriguing clash and battle of tactics between Mourinho and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.
United, who had won on their last two Premier League visits to Anfield, certainly stopped Liverpool who were not the irresistible force they have been in the early part of the season and were marginally the better side for the opening hour, though they never seriously looked like scoring.
When Liverpool momentarily threatened in the last half hour, United defended magnificently with David De Gea making two important stops, one a contender for save of the season while Antonio Valencia also made one last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal.
And of reflection a goalless draw was a fair result, though Liverpool enjoyed almost two thirds possession. Goal attempts were even, however, 9-7 in Liverpool’s favour.
Mourinho, whose side is seventh and five points adrift of Manchester City and Arsenal, was satisfied with his side’s efforts.
He said: “It was a good performance in a difficult match for us and them.
“I think we controlled the game tactically and emotionally. It was not easy here, but the result is acceptable.
“We wanted more and for long periods I thought it was possible. We didn’t score and if that happens you don’t win, but it was a positive performance.
“We stopped them playing and they defended well. Even our goalkeeper was on holiday for 90 minutes, though he made two big saves for us.”
Klopp was philosophical about the result saying: “Last year we lost to Manchester United here so that is better and we have a clean sheet and know we can do better.
“We had 65-per-cent of possession, but we have to do better with the ball.
“In the second half may be we deserved to win, but sorry to say the best thing is that we have one point more than before the game and a clean sheet.”
Klopp added his side needed to stay cool and be patient.
“We worked hard and tried everything, but with the wrong tools tonight.” he explained.
Mourinho sacrificed the creativity of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard for the solidity that Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young provide in midfield.
Fellaini and Ander Herrera were the midfield anchors enabling Paul Pogba to have more attacking freedom as Pogba, Young and Marcus Rashford supported Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Once again there was no starting spot for Wayne Rooney who scored the winning goal on United’s last visit to Anfield as he was on the bench.
Liverpool had Daniel Sturridge leading their line with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in support.
In the early stages, United succeeded in stifling Liverpool and managed to carve out a number of half chances.
Ibrahimovic and Pogba both ballooned efforts over the crossbar while Young and Ibrahimovic had further efforts that were easily caught by keeper Loris Karius.
Emre Can had Liverpool’s first goal attempt midway through the half, but it cleared the crossbar by some distance.
Liverpool had to wait half an hour before De Gea was forced to make a save, and then Firmino’s header provided the easiest of catches.
And De Gea had another easy save as Philippe Coutinho’s free kick went straight to the keeper in an opening period in which Liverpool had 66-per-cent possession, but the goal attempts were 5-3 in United’s favour.
And referee Anthony Taylor, whose appointment had caused controversy as he lives in Altrincham, near to Old Trafford, did his best to let the game flow.
It wasn’t until the end of the half he booked Eric Bailly for a foul on Sturridge and Young for dissent as he questioned a decision too vociferously.
United were almost presented with a gift opening goal soon after the restart when a poor kick went straight to Rashford who released Ibrahimovic who shot wide, but the Swede had strayed offside.
And they went close again after 54 minutes when Ibrahimovic got on the end of a Pogba cross, but couldn’t direct it on target from a tight angle as it flew across the face of goal.
Just short of the hour, Liverpool had the best chance of the game when Emre Can weaved his way through the United defence, but De Gea pulled off a superb save low to his right to turn away his goalbound shot.
Liverpool made their first change when Adam Lallana replaced Sturridge.
De Gea made one of the saves of the season with 19 minutes left as Coutinho’s 25-yard effort was curing into the top corner only for the Spaniard to fling himself full stretch to his left to turn it round the post.
The replays from ground level showed just how much Coutinho bent the ball and magnified what a brilliant save it was.
Rooney made his entrance belatedly with 13 minutes as he took over from Rashford, United’s first change of the night.
Liverpool were finishing the stronger as Firmino burst clear only for Antonio Valencia to save the day with a last-ditch tackle.
Ibrahimovic and Fellaini were booked late on as United had four cautions to Liverpool’s none.