Man Utd: Solskjaer says Pogba is 'prime example' of improvement
Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan was not happy with Bruno Fernandes during Sunday's draw at Liverpool, according to reports. United were good for a point at Anfield and may feel they had the best chances to come away with all three. The Red Devils have maintained top spot in the Premier League, with Liverpool dropping to fourth.
Fernandes was not quite at his best for the visitors, though did come close with a free kick in the first half.
The Portugal international is United's leading goalscorer this season and did force Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson into a relatively comfortable save after half time.
Fernandes was substituted in the 89th minute as both sides pushed for a winner.
The 26-year-old was visibly frustrated with being taken off by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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Man Utd news: Manchester United are aiming to win their first Premier League title since 2013 (Image: EXPRESS)
"It was a tactical decision, Bruno has been running his socks off every single game," Solskjaer said.
"Towards the end we thought Paul [Pogba's] physical presence might be a chance and Mason [Greenwood] can score in a blink of a second. It was a bit of a throw of the dice."
Meanwhile, United captain Harry Maguire admitted his side started slower than Liverpool.
But the England defender reckoned the Red Devils could have still come away with all three points.
"They started better than us but second half we came into a lot more," Maguire told Sky Sports.
"We created the best chances and on another day we win.
"It was cagey. Two good teams matching up. We created openings and had two great chances, two great saves.
"There is a lot of talk of Liverpool being without their first-choice centre-halves but they've had a great defensive record since these injuries. They have lots of options.
"We wanted to win. You could see our intent in the second half, we wanted three points. We'll feel a bit disappointed. It's a tough place to come.
"You can see our performance compared to last year when we weren't brave at all. We were a bit timid."