Ole Gunnar Solskjaer disappointed as Manchester United fail to ‘pounce’ on Liverpool injury crisis

Solskjaer: “We didn't impose ourselves on the game”

(Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United’s goalless draw at Anfield was an opportunity missed as the Premier League leaders failed to take advantage of the champions’ injury crisis.

Liverpool had hoped to have Joel Matip back for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on Merseyside, but the defender joined long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk and Joe Homez on the sidelines.

That meant Jurgen Klopp was forced to start midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at centre-back, though United failed to really test the pair until the second half.

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba went closest for the visitors as Alisson Becker made two important saves to preserve a point for Liverpool, but Solskjaer was disappointed that the Red Devils could not make a title statement at Anfield.

"They are a good side and they have some injury problems but we didn't pounce on that," he said. "I felt we grew into the game and got stronger and stronger and were closer to winning.

"We were a bit disappointed in the performance, not just the result. We didn't do well enough to cause them problems in the first half but we defended well and they didn't create too many chances.

"We know we have players who can win you a game in the blink of a second and Bruno and Paul almost did.

"But I think everyone was a bit disappointed with the way we started the game but that is a good feeling to have that we were disappointed in the performance."

The draw leaves United three points ahead of third-placed Liverpool, though Leicester City’s win against Southampton on Saturday means Brendan Rodgers Foxes are just two points off top spot with a superior goal difference.

The result at Anfield was also a further boost to Manchester City, who can now go top provided they win both their games in hand.

Read More

Klopp unhappy with ‘strange’ half-time whistle decision to deny Mane

Man United stay top of the table as Allison saves Liverpool

Liverpool vs Man United: Latest match reaction from Anfield – LIVE!