United go down at Anfield in Europa League
Reds lose first leg to rivals 2-0.
Manchester United were left with a huge task for the return leg of their Europa League clash with Liverpool after losing 2-0 at Anfield last night.
The Reds’ first leg loss came thanks to a first half goal from the penalty spot from former City striker Daniel Sturridge.
David De Gea kept United in the game with a string of saves which could have ended not just the match but the tie as a competitive fixture.
Louis Van Gaal switched his formation in the second half from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 but it had little effect as Liverpool capitalised on a weak clearance from makeshift defender Michael Carrick for Roberto Firmino to bag the home side’s second.
It could have been much worse for United as Marouane Fellaini appeared to lash out at Emre Can with his elbow in the dying moments, something which was missed by the referee.
The return leg is next Thursday and although United have it all to do the tie is far from over.
After the match Louis Van Gaal commented:
“They played very good in the first half and we could not cope with their pressure. David de Gea was fantastic, but I think it was a cheap penalty.
“In the second half we changed the shape and had much more of the game but we didn't create many chances and they scored another cheap goal.''
Asked to expand, Van Gaal claimed there was an offside in the build-up to the second goal, while suggesting the contact Depay made on Clyne was outside the area and not enough to bring the Liverpool player down.
“The referee cannot see that, but the hold is outside the box and then he is falling down,''
“You have to be sharp when you give it. It is a cheap penalty. They deserve the win, but the goals they got are cheap.”