Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘disappointed’ Manchester United ‘didn’t play well enough’ to beat Liverpool

United remain top of the table with a three-point lead over their rivals

Karl Matchett
Sunday 17 January 2021 19:52 GMT
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(Manchester United via Getty Imag)

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was largely pleased with his team’s performance level at Anfield as they held champions Liverpool to a goalless draw, but the Manchester United manager also felt it was an opportunity missed to end the Reds’ unbeaten home run.

A tight game on Sunday afternoon saw both sides spurn opportunities to break the deadlock, with goalkeeper Alisson denying Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in particular late in the second half.

Solskjaer says his team didn’t produce enough moments of that type in the final third to justify claiming all three points, which was something of a let-down considering the players out injured for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time

“No we didn’t [do enough to win] because we didn’t play well enough. We grew into the game and towards the end you felt it’s there to win, we created two big chances but two massive saves by the keeper,” he told Sky Sports.

“We can be more composed, some moments we missed when Marcus [Rashford] makes his run in behind, a couple of things we need to improve on.

"I’m a bit disappointed but you’re playing a fantastic team and they had more possession. But the injuries they’ve had, you feel you [can] come here and get a result.

“We didn’t, but a point might be ok if we win the next one. You want to win so you can’t stand there smiling.”

A couple of changes to the starting line-up saw Victor Lindelof come into the defence in place of Eric Bailly, with the Swede impressing, while midweek match-winner Pogba switched to the right side of United’s attacking midfield line.

Solskjaer reserved praised his No. 6 for his off-the-ball contribution on this occasion, even if he couldn’t quite find the telling touch with his close-range drive being saved by Alisson.

“Paul was absolutely brilliant today. We knew he had to do a job defensively, help us with [Andy] Robertson and he was excellent.”

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