[johnny boy]

I know you didn't mean it... Seriously I know it can be frustrating to drop points against teams who play like we did yesterday, especially in this game and how things have been going in the weeks leading up to it, but it was necessary for us to play this way. We didn't get everything we wanted obviously but we got enough to be happy with considering the circumstances. I think it will be more open at Old Trafford. I hope so anyway.

Yesterday was disappointing as we have been playing well, but some of the "furious" comments are a bit over the top - after all we didn't lose.

It will be more open next time yes.

Twit comments taken back.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

Hopefully all the other teams in the league will be studying the way we played against Liverpool, many teams will absolutely be happy to play for a draw against them and we may have just provided the blueprint.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Style I understand but getting the kind of players I don't necessarily agree - January is notoriously difficult to get players in, so for me he has had 1 proper window. Mourinho has had less time obviously but had unlimited funds also.

I do have concerns yes, clearly we have to be better at breaking teams down - but we had that also to a degree with Rodgers and we aren't the first team to struggle against a well organised team.

Even with unlimited funds the players need to settle and at least you don't have Wayne Rooney to deal with and all the publicity, even when he doesn't play, actually especially when he doesn't play to deal with.

 

[clarkydaz]

I just don't understand how Mourinho is being hailed as a tactical genius because his team didn't lose. Considering the money you've spent I think you should be looking for a bit more ambition in a game that was there to be won. We were all over the place in the first half but United never did enough to make the most of it.

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

 

[Pogue Mahone]

You'd think our goal was under siege for 90 minutes the way many people are talking of bus-parking. Nonsense. A professional performance in a fixture where Liverpool traditionally play their hearts out, in a very hostile ground; good result for us.

It's weird but it's just the standard goldfish memories you get in football. For most of the first half we actually had Liverpool pinned in their own half, immediately losing the ball when they crossed the halfway line.

In the second half they pinned us back and we seemed to start to settle for a draw. Plus Ibra looked jaded and every clearance came straight back at us. Hence we had little or no possession.

On the balance of play over 90 minutes it definitely wasn't the back to the wall display I'm reading about on here (and in the press)

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Yesterday was disappointing as we have been playing well, but some of the "furious" comments are a bit over the top - after all we didn't lose.

It will be more open next time yes.

Twit comments taken back.

I think most Liverpool fans on here have been intelligent in their analysis of the game. It is the media and their utter outrage that Manchester United dared turn up at Anfield and make it difficult for Liverpool to play.

 

[edcunited1878]

In the grand scheme of things, United got what they needed. Physiologically, a loss against Liverpool going to Chelsea as the next league game would have been extremely devastating.

This wasn't United's litmus test, this was Liverpool's. United have a litmus test every week, against themselves, against their own expectations, against our own supporters expectations, etc. Liverpool didn't play well enough to beat United. Liverpool and the majority of the media/neutrals wanted to see Liverpool bash United at Anfield.

It didn't happen and now people are complaining that United got a point instead of 0. I fecking love it. Can't wait for Jose's return to the Bridge. Should be a spectacle and there will be only a winner. No draw.

But United just keep monitoring the situation, staying amongst the crowd through Christmas period and gradually make their marks at the turn of the calendar.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

It's weird but it's just the standard goldfish memories you get in football. For most of the first half we actually had Liverpool pinned in their own half, immediately losing the ball when they crossed the halfway line.

In the second half they pinned us back and we seemed to start to settle for a draw. Plus Ibra looked jaded and every clearance came straight back at us. Hence we had little or no possession.

On the balance of play over 90 minutes it definitely wasn't the back to the wall display I'm reading about on here (and in the press)

All very true! If I remember rightly I think the MNF half time analysis said Liverpool only had 9 touches over the half way line in the first 45 mins. This was mentioned as some kind of record that soon got forgotten!

 

[Liver_bird]

Dahoud and a striker - not really sure on Sturridge at the moment, and Klopp hasn't really given Ings a look in either.

It's funny the RAWK thread has suddenly become more popular, because United drew 0-0.

Unless Sturridge suddenly regains his pace hes finished as a top level striker, he's slow to everything, easily out-muscled and his body doesnt allow him to move at more than a steady jog which means he never threatens in behind. There CB's actually realised this and pushed up against him. He needs to find a way to adapt his game be that here or elsewhere. Would like to see Origi promoted above him, he looks sharp and more in sync with the rest of our attackers. Ings I would like to see given cameos off the bench but I imagine he'll have to wait for cup games yet.

 

[red_john]

As we haven't found our best team yet and the current form of Liverpool, it was a very good point. We should of scored in the 1st half when we was controlling the game. I don't mind playing like that against the big teams but we need to win the smaller games. Stoke and Watford come to mind.

 

[Roosney]

See this is what I struggle to understand. I won't dispute the fact that getting a point against us away from home when we're playing well is a good result.

I just don't understand how Mourinho is being hailed as a tactical genius because his team didn't lose. Considering the money you've spent I think you should be looking for a bit more ambition in a game that was there to be won. We were all over the place in the first half but United never did enough to make the most of it.

If you don't win at Chelsea next week I think you'll be a bit more disappointed with this result. You could have beaten us with a bit more ambition going forward.

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.

 

[Liver_bird]

Dahoud has a ridiculously low release clause and is going to be WC according to some German posters, so good that they reckon Bayern will come in for him. IMO you won't get him.

I hope we give you a run for the money for him as well, altough having Brick Top and Harry Potter's lovechild as your manager might give you the edge there. No chance if Bayern come calling though, could also see Dortmund wanting him.

Its easy to see why we wanted him this summer and I fear waiting another year might have just removed us from the fray, however he seems to be an earmarked Klopp target so hopefully we get him.

 

[Stacks]

Almost the perfect away performance, if only Zlatan had done better with the header.

There were some key individuals who stuck to their tactics and stopped Liverpool from playing. Special mention to Young, who many were questioning on twitter before the game.

We knew when we signed Jose that there would be days like these. Not pretty but tactically very interesting.

Cities was better vs us. Ballsey, confident, dominating the ball 1st half then counterattacking the 2nd half. When we talk about winning the game with the Zlatan chance, it is a bit desperate because Liverpool had chances themselves

 

[Pogue Mahone]

All very true! If I remember rightly I think the MNF half time analysis said Liverpool only had 9 touches over the half way line in the first 45 mins. This was mentioned as some kind of record that soon got forgotten!

I missed the analysis (was in a pub) but that fits with how I saw it. We were really impressive in the first 45, then Liverpool got their shit together and dominated us for the rest of the game. With neither team really making much from their periods of domination.

It's fair to say that Liverpool asked us a lot more questions than we asked them but it's massively misleading to imply we sat deep and parked the bus for 90 minutes. That just didn't happen.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Cities was better vs us. Ballsey, confident, dominating the ball 1st half then counterattacking the 2nd half. When we talk about winning the game with the Zlatan chance, it is a bit desperate because Liverpool had chances themselves

Everyone remembers the Zlatan header but Fellaini missed a chance that was just as easy from our one and only corner. The fact we only got that one corner was a real pity. Liverpool look really vulnerable to crosses with that flappy keeper, Blind takes a great corner and we had a massive height advantage. If we'd got a few lucky bounces off a defender the outcome could have been very different. Could have been Leicester all over again.

 

[M Bison]

In the grand scheme of things, United got what they needed. Physiologically, a loss against Liverpool going to Chelsea as the next league game would have been extremely devastating.

This wasn't United's litmus test, this was Liverpool's. United have a litmus test every week, against themselves, against their own expectations, against our own supporters expectations, etc. Liverpool didn't play well enough to beat United. Liverpool and the majority of the media/neutrals wanted to see Liverpool bash United at Anfield.

It didn't happen and now people are complaining that United got a point instead of 0. I fecking love it. Can't wait for Jose's return to the Bridge. Should be a spectacle and there will be only a winner. No draw.

But United just keep monitoring the situation, staying amongst the crowd through Christmas period and gradually make their marks at the turn of the calendar.

Yes indeed, my thoughts exactly.

 

[johnny boy]

Its easy to see why we wanted him this summer and I fear waiting another year might have just removed us from the fray, however he seems to be an earmarked Klopp target so hopefully we get him.

i don't think we did wait, we just couldn't for various reasons get the deal done.

 

[ZAGREB RED]

It wasn't pretty, but the angst from Liverpool is amusing. How dare United set up to stop them playing and have the best keeper in the world to deny them when they managed to break through. Liverpool didn't manage to play an awful lot of football and United out-high pressed the high pressing team. Mourinho's pragmatism doesn't suit everyone but I am hoping United build on this on result by getting another on Sunday and then start playing some football on top of this pragmatic approach.

 

[Liver_bird]

i don't think we did wait, we just couldn't for various reasons get the deal done.

Yeah but I think we could have tried to push them with higher bids but I dont think Klopp likes bidding too high. We bought Gini to play his role instead, but we need another player of there ilk to replace them when theyre not available.

 

[Kraftwerker]

It's weird but it's just the standard goldfish memories you get in football. For most of the first half we actually had Liverpool pinned in their own half, immediately losing the ball when they crossed the halfway line.

In the second half they pinned us back and we seemed to start to settle for a draw. Plus Ibra looked jaded and every clearance came straight back at us. Hence we had little or no possession.

On the balance of play over 90 minutes it definitely wasn't the back to the wall display I'm reading about on here (and in the press)

All very true! If I remember rightly I think the MNF half time analysis said Liverpool only had 9 touches over the half way line in the first 45 mins. This was mentioned as some kind of record that soon got forgotten!

I've been trying to make this point. Can understand the scousers wilfully blanking out the entire half of the match where they were penned in, but our own fans?

The recency effect of memory has a lot to answer for.

The fallacy of possession stats are also laid bare when you see Liverpool desperately passing it back to their keeper to avoid the press, and then clumsily around their backline to groans and moans from the otherwise silent crowd. Yeah it's possession, but only one team is in control of that situation.

 

[Rafateria]

Mourinho has been at the club a few months. He's our third manager I'm as many years and has a squad of players inherited from Sir Alex, Moyes, LvG and now his own. The money spent doesn't really matter as he is trying to shape a squad into his own, much like Klopp has done although he's had much longer at it.

Mourinho got the better of Klopp tactically last night. That is obvious to anyone.

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.

 

[AXVnee7]

"Just 8 months longer"

 

[clarkydaz]

they peppered our goal from 35 yards. Still reeling from it

 

[AndyJ1985]

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.

8 months is a long time in football. That's why Liverpool are significantly better now than they were 8 months ago.

 

[PickledRed]

8 months is a long time in football. That's why Liverpool are significantly better now than they were 8 months ago.

It's also why they currently look the better of the two teams overall.

 

[Finn MacCool]

Aside from pivotal title deciders it was possibly THE most hyped league game ever. This was because of the rivalry, the day of the week and the fact it was after an intl break - the build up seemed to last forever and a day. So the sense of expectation was huge and what we got was a bit of a damp squib. Not many people would have predicted a 0-0.

In the first half we were poor - second to everything, no rhythm, stray passes everywhere and lacking any creativity. The difference was huge once Lallana came on - we suddenly looked threatening (without creating anything clearcut - Utds defence was really tight) and we were cohesive, keeping the ball and making much better runs (Firmino's and Can's nearly paid off).

I wasn't shocked at all by Jose' (6-3-1) tactics - that is his go to plan in these types of situations and he usually gets it right. I agree with Carra when he said that the second half wasn't typical of a Man Utd team but was typical of a Jose Mourinho team. They are now one and the same and in terms of football style and ethos, its Utd who are adapting to Jose, not the other way round - which is understandable. He is using a formula which he has tried and tested at his previous clubs. I think Utd are still lacking some fluidity and a cohesive style - but its very early days in your new managers reign.

Considering our form, Utd, as the away team can definitely feel more happy with the result. But I'm not that disappointed tbh - its another big game done and dusted and we're still well positioned in the league to challenge for top 4. Its already very compressed at the top of the table, so getting a draw against a rival is a decent result. For the first time in ages (possibly ever in fact!) I actually think we might have a better chance of winning against Utd at OT than Anfield - recent history doesn't suggest that but the way Mourinho sets up, depending on who is at home, means that OT is likely to be a more open game. Shame we'll be missing Mane for that one.

 

[Kraftwerker]

It's also why they currently look the better of the two teams overall.

Looking the better team (and certainly not on the evidence of last night) is fairly meaningless in October as you know only too cruelly.

 

[PickledRed]

Looking the better team (and certainly not on the evidence of last night) is fairly meaningless in October as you know only too cruelly.

Liverpool looked the better team last night despite playing poorly. They looked like the team who were not totally afraid to lose. United looked craven as the game went on.

Meaningless in October is a stretch. I agree it's not the defining point of the season but some clues as to how the season will go are there. Meaningless?

 

[Kraftwerker]

Liverpool looked the better team last night despite playing poorly. They looked like the team who were not totally afraid to lose. United looked craven as the game went on.

Meaningless in October is a stretch. I agree it's not the defining point of the season but some clues as to how the season will go are there. Meaningless?

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.

 

[PickledRed]

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.

Terrified? Ok.

United had a very good opening half hour. Real credit where it is due. They had a great game plan. Started much the better team. Really worked hard to keep Liverpool at bay without actually laying a glove on them in that period.

However, as with other sides who have started strongly against Liverpool this season it didn't last. Liverpool never hit their true heights last night but it was still the United keeper and United right back that kept it goalless. Never seen a United side so utterly dedicated to not losing as last night.

Don't think anyone would watch that match and be confused as to who is in a better place right now...but it's only October. The next time the two sides meet Mourinho may be willing to go toe-to-toe for the full 90.

 

[Cassady]

Despite the Liverpool wank fest we are only 3 points behind them.

And one behind Everton.

 

[Cassady]

Should have taken our chance but we are only 5 points off the top.

Fixed that for you.

 

[Kraftwerker]

Terrified? Ok.

United had a very good opening half hour. Real credit where it is due. They had a great game plan. Started much the better team. Really worked hard to keep Liverpool at bay without actually laying a glove on them in that period.

However, as with other sides who have started strongly against Liverpool this season it didn't last. Liverpool never hit their true heights last night but it was still the United keeper and United right back that kept it goalless. Never seen a United side so utterly dedicated to not losing as last night.

Don't think anyone would watch that match and be confused as to who is in a better place right now...but it's only October. The next time the two sides meet Mourinho may be willing to go toe-to-toe for the full 90.

Dedication to not losing? Well quite. Much as I admire the Liverpool dedication to losing in recent years, perhaps if you were a little bit more dedicated to not losing you may have, you know, not lost out on pretty much every major trophy you've competed for. League titles aren't built on going gung-ho for 3-0 victories away from home.

Anyone who understands football would certainly struggle to pick the 'better' team from last night. United's midfield looked a class apart, with Herrera putting in the sort of performance that must make Liverpool fans groan with envy in what they miss out on with mouth-breather Henderson. Forward lines were both pretty poor with more sparkle from Liverpool's, namely Coutinho. Defences easily matched on the night. And a flappy dodgy looking keeper at one end against a commanding steady one at the other.

Not clear cut at all.

 

[Dumbstar]

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.

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.

 

[PickledRed]

Dedication to not losing? Well quite. Much as I admire the Liverpool dedication to losing in recent years, perhaps if you were a little bit more dedicated to not losing you may have, you know, not lost out on pretty much every major trophy you've competed for. League titles aren't built on going gung-ho for 3-0 victories away from home.

Anyone who understands football would certainly struggle to pick the 'better' team from last night. United's midfield looked a class apart, with Herrera putting in the sort of performance that must make Liverpool fans groan with envy in what they miss out on with mouth-breather Henderson. Forward lines were both pretty poor with more sparkle from Liverpool's, namely Coutinho. Defences easily matched on the night. And a flappy dodgy looking keeper at one end against a commanding steady one at the other.

Not clear cut at all.

Ok

 

[Jaxdan]

.....Thankfully Moyesrinho's use of Young and Fellaini eased that somewhat.

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

Gotta admit, that was rather funny. Rivalry is fun.

 

[gerdm07]

Well I took a lot of encouragement from the match:

- We won the first 20 minutes with a good press and some sparkling interchanges. That one move down the right that involved two flicks was great to see. These 20 minutes and the first halves of our last two matches show we are headed in the right direction.
- The first 20 minutes Pogba played very good and showed the type of player he can become
- Smalling and Bailly are starting to form a good partnership
- Herrera was great and has firmly established himself in the first 11
- Rooney did not start and did nothing to merit a start in the future
- We got a point at Anfield and many teams won't be able to do that

If we can get Martial and Mikh in form then our attack will be very good and dangerous...and fun to watch.

I have to say I really like the way Liverpool play and I think they have a decent chance at a title. Lallana is becoming a great player with Ozil-like touches and passing. England would be smart to shape a team around him.

 

[Kraftwerker]

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.

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.

 

[J-Stander]

It wasn't pretty, but the angst from Liverpool is amusing. How dare United set up to stop them playing and have the best keeper in the world to deny them when they managed to break through. Liverpool didn't manage to play an awful lot of football and United out-high pressed the high pressing team. Mourinho's pragmatism doesn't suit everyone but I am hoping United build on this on result by getting another on Sunday and then start playing some football on top of this pragmatic approach.

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.

 

[Dec9003]

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.