Manchester United suffered a crippling blow in their Europa League campaign as they went down 2-0 away to Liverpool. While the scoreline is still redeemable, what had Manchester United fans up in arms was the abject performance of the Red Devils on the Anfield pitch in what was a bonafide historic game.
Here are how the managers, players, and pundits reacted to Manchester United’s woeful display:
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal:
The Dutchman credited Liverpool for a great performance and atmosphere, but was disappointed with the ‘cheap’ goals United conceded.
“They played very good in the first half and we could not cope with their pressure. David De Gea was fantastic. But we had a cheap penalty and in the second half we changed the shape. We had much more contribution to the game but we didn't create enough.”
“They scored another cheap goal, he was offside, and that is difficult. I have to say that Liverpool created an atmosphere that was fantastic. Losing 2-0 is a difficult result for us but we have to create an atmosphere like that next week.”
“I have to say that Fellaini was one of the best players on the pitch.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
The Reds boss was quite happy with his sid’s performance, noting that the 2-0 scoreline was what Liverpool deserved, although he did sound a note of caution that the tie is not over.
“We did it and it was absolutely deserved. It was a great performance from the first until last second. It is only the first leg, we know that, but we needed to win and we did. That’s great. Now one week until the next game – we know it is not easy but we are in a good position and we want to go to the next round. For that, we have to play like this again in Manchester.”
Klopp had a slight dig at Manchester United’s lack of competitiveness, nothing the lack of saves Simon Mignolet had to make in the Liverpool goal.
“It’s not too important how you play against Manchester United, it’s always difficult to avoid chances. [But] there wasn’t really a lot, so that’s one of the best things about this game.”
Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling:
The English centre-back was rather disappointed, especially more so after United failed to score an away goal.
“We’re disappointed. I think we could have done with getting an away goal – we know we’ve got a difficult job on our hands. I think if you get that goal, you can be a bit more positive, but it’s now up to us to rectify it in front of our own fans.”
Smalling, however, was full of praise for David de Gea, who made a number of crucial saves during the game.
“I think both of their goals were pretty fortuitous, but David did make two very good saves.”
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes:
The former Manchester United central midfielder absolutely laid into the Red Devils squad, questioning their lack of adherence to the Manchester United identity.
“For 20 years, Manchester United had identity, you were going to play fast football, pass the ball forward, tackle, run. The last three years they’ve just gone away from that. Something that worked. The first half was shocking, then they went to a back three which was a disaster.”
The English legend could not resist taking a dig at former foes Arsenal, while expressing his irritation at the post-match tweets of apology that normally go out.
“What I don’t want to see tonight, people Tweeting how they are, ’sorry for that performance’. Stop talking on social media and start playing. The last thing I want is for Man Utd to be happy with winning the FA Cup and finishing fourth every year. That's what Arsenal do.”
Here’s a video of Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand tearing apart their former club after the performance last night.
However, nothing sums is up better that this image, which speaks a thousand words:
