LIVERPOOL 0, MAN UNITED 0
Manchester United produced a defensive masterclass to end Liverpool’s 100 per cent home record in the Premier League.
And it provided some much-needed cheer for embattled Reds’ manager Erik ten Hag at the end of a dismal week.
United had been humbled at home by Bournemouth and then dumped out of the Champions League following their Old Trafford loss to Bayern Munich.
But out of burning embers came a display against the odds to put a brake on Liverpool who would have gone top with victory.
After losing 7-0 at Anfield on their last visit in March, there were many who were predicting a similar scoreline as Liverpool had won all 11 home games this season in league and cup.
Ten Hag set his side up with a defensive game plan which was executed to perfection. Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund had a chance which, if taken, might have seen United snatch an unlikely victory.
Despite Liverpool having 34 goal attempts to United’s six, Jurgen Klopp’s side had few clear-cut chances as United players made block and put their bodies on the line for their under-pressure gaffer.
Ten Hag said: “I think the performance was very good from our side. The game plan went well, the players were brilliant how they stuck together and were in the fight.
“My only criticism would be in possession we could hurt them more, if you get one, two, three passes in. But that’s the only thing. If we scored one of the big opportunities, we could have won this game.
Embed from Getty Images“Liverpool is a very good team, a very good attacking team and a lot of movement. You have to defend very disciplined, and it is a big compliment to the team how they did – the spirit, and the passion and desire was there.”
“We knew that beforehand that last year we beat them twice, but we lost – and it was a big loss. Of course you want to take revenge.
“We have a good squad, a good team and we can make something out of this season.”
Scott McTominay, named United captain in the absence of Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire said: “For a start we have a number of injuries which doesn’t help the squad or help the rhythm of playing a regular team, but we knew it would be tough today.
“We had to stay calm and stick together and we had moments in the game where we had chances and could have hurt them.
“We’re disappointed we couldn’t make it more of a game and create more opportunities. The boys will be pleased not to lose but also definitely not happy we didn’t win.
“It’s always a hot start here and we couldn’t forget about last year, but the boys did everything they could have.
“We’ve got a lot of young players and they conducted themselves well. I’m proud to lead them out, it’s just a shame we couldn’t win.
Klopp said: “I saw a lot of good things, the one thing I don’t like is the result. We should have scored.
“We were in a rush in moments, but I liked a lot the intensity of the game and the start to the game. Everyone saw what we wanted, our counter-pressing was good as a group, and we didn’t let them out.
“I can’t remember such a dominant performance against Man Utd – even the 7-0. Now it’s 0-0 they probably feel slightly better than us. But we take the point and keep going.
“It was the type of game I expected. If we play like this, it is difficult for the opposite team to get out of their own half and the way United defending was clean with a lot of passion.
“If you score it changes the dynamic of the game and they open up a bit and take more risk. But nothing changed, they threw everything in and it’s a 0-0.
“We tried everything and the numbers we created – in terms of shots – is crazy. But with that amount of shots, they should be a few more on target. That was our fault today.”
Ten Hag made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday to finish bottom of their Champions League group.
Maguire, injured in the Bayern defeat, was replaced by Jonny Evans, while 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo came in for the suspended Fernandes.
Mainoo became the youngest player to appear in the fixture while Evans and Raphael Varane were paired together for the first time.
Marcus Rashford remained on the bench for United.
Klopp made nine changes from the side that suffered a 2-1 defeat by Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League on Thursday.
Only Wataru Endo and Ibrahima Konate kept their places while Klopp opted for Darwin Nunez to lead the frontline ahead of Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool won a corner after only 18 seconds as they began the game at an electrifying pace, pressing United and especially keeper Andre Onana when he was in possession.
Their first clear-cut chance in the 16th minute followed Onana dropping a high ball. In the resulting scramble, Mohamed Salah’s shot was deflected by the keeper for a corner.
Onana showed his class with a terrific reflex save just short of the half hour to turn over a bullet header from Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool continued to dominate in the second period without creating many clear chances.
They needed to be wary as Alejandro Garnacho broke clear and only a vital toe from Trent Alexander-Arnold back to keeper Alisson Becker prevented the Argentine.
Liverpool made a double change which enabled them to push Alexander-Arnold into a more advanced role and he soon went close with a drive.
United had their best chance of the game in the 67th minute when Hojlund was put through only for Alisson to make a huge block.
As the game became more stretched, Salah also went close forcing Onana into a decent diving stop.
United made their first change with 20 minutes left as Garnacho was replaced by Rashford.
Onana also did well to foil Luis Diaz while Ibrahima Konate shot straight at the keeper as Liverpool upped the tempo.
United made two further changes with 10 minutes left as Antony and Mainoo made way for Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal.
Liverpool had strong shouts for a penalty rejected claiming Luke Shaw handled which replays ahowed he did but it was not intentional.
There was drama in the fourth of five added minutes when United had Diogo Dalot send off for picking up two bookings seconds apart after protesting too vehemently about his side not winning a throw-in.