Jurgen Klopp blasts Man Utd for style of play - and fumes at VAR decisions too

Jurgen Klopp blasted Manchester United for “just defending” as the Liverpool manager’s winless run at Old Trafford continued.

And the Kop boss was also fuming with the VAR for not ruling out United’s opener from Marcus Rashford.

Adam Lallana’s late equaliser maintained Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season to move six clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

But Klopp has not won away at United in five attempts and he was not impressed by their rivals’ approach.

He said: “It doesn’t frustrate me. I’m not the person who should be concerned about this style.

“It’s just a fact that when we come here, they just defend. It’s OK, no criticism, it’s just a fact.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp issued a dig at Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his tactics

“When United plays Liverpool, usually you’d think both teams would play like this, would try.

“We are the one team everyone is on their toes when United play us. With the quality they have, the way they set up is really difficult.

“It’s no excuse. I thought we could do better today. But you cannot play each team like this.

“We don’t have to say a compliment, it is just we are a good team and it is normal people think how can they stop us?”

But ex-United manager Jose Mourinho, working as a pundit for Sky Sports, hit back and said: “He [Klopp] didn't like the menu.

“He likes meat and he got fish.

“They have a fantastic record of so many victories.

“But they have limitations against teams with low blocks. They can smash opponents that play the way they want to play against.

“But at Old Trafford - which is a special place to win - he [Klopp] never did it.”

Rashford fired home from close range after Daniel James crossed but Liverpool believed Divock Origi was fouled by Victor Lindelof at the start of the move.

Referee Martin Atkinson checked with the VAR but the goal stood before Sadio Mane had one ruled out by the new system for handball.

Klopp said: “I was 100 per cent sure VAR would overrule it.

“But now we see the problem. The ref let the game run because he has VAR, but the VAR then says it was not clear, so they don’t overrule it.

“That doesn’t make too much sense. It’s a clear VAR issue.

“I am not angry or whatever, it’s just wow. I saw it was a foul and nothing else.

“Mr Atkinson I’m sure would have whistled if there was no VAR involved, but now we have somebody else who can make the decision. But somebody else is not making the decision.”

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed Klopp’s claim as he tried to remain positive despite Lalllana tapping home an equaliser with five minutes to go to deny his side a third win of the season.

He said: “No chance, we're not playing basketball. He touched him but it's not a clear and obvious error.

“Results always reflect performances in the end, I said it many times we felt we haven't got results we deserve but we need to win games.

“One point is a start but still disappointed, I’m not excited by one point.”