The ManicaPost
Despite being thrilled with Manchester United’s defensive performance in the 0-0 draw at Liverpool, Jose Mourinho has admitted Paul Pogba failed to deliver his side’s attacking spark.
United frustrated the hosts in the Premier League stalemate at Anfield and had just one shot on target along with 35 per cent possession, their lowest in a league game since Opta records began in 2003.
Mourinho was happy to take away a point from the uneventful clash on Merseyside, but insists he expected ‘more penetration’ concerning Pogba’s attacking role.
‘Had it been 1-0 it would have been finished,’ Mourinho said on Sky Sports. ‘Where Pogba was I was expecting more penetration.’
‘Defensively we did really well, we should have had a little bit more. We had a big chance that I thought Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) was going to score.
‘(It was a) very difficult game for us and for them. More difficult game for them than us. We started really well and were completely in control. The game was completely under control. We controlled very well the emotions of the game. We could influence the crowd. They were waiting for an easy match.’
Reflecting on United’s record low possession percentage, Mourinho admitted his side were set up to frustrate Jurgen Klopp’s pressing outfit.
‘That’s what we planned,’ Mourinho added.
‘We knew that they wanted to press forward. We know that their transition is really strong and high. They (Liverpool) are not the last wonder in the world like you like to say they are.’ – Daily Mail.
