Liverpool legend: United as defensive as Sunderland

Matt Stead

John Aldridge believes Manchester United were just as defensive against Liverpool as Sunderland were.

The Reds eventually overcame a stoic Sunderland on Saturday, with goals from Divock Origi and James Milner inspiring a 2-0 victory.

The win lifted Liverpool into second, and Jurgen Klopp described David Moyes’ relegation-battlers as “the most defensive team I ever saw in my life” after the game.

However, former striker Aldridge believes the club have faced a side just as cautious and unadventurous already this season.

Manchester United held the Reds to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in September, registering just one shot on target – one fewer than Sunderland managed.

‘I think it was frustration which saw Jurgen Klopp brand Sunderland the most defensive team he’s played against after the game on Saturday,’ he wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

‘I actually think Manchester United came and were just as bad.

‘Our goalie had to pull off two good saves against Sunderland, against Manchester United he didn’t have a save to make.’