Solskjaer responds to Jurgen Klopp's criticism over United tactics

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during a past press conference [Courtesy]

 

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rubbished Jurgen Klopp's suggestion he set his side up only to defend in their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils led for the majority of the game as the Premier League leaders struggled to break down the back five system deployed by the Norwegian.

The visitors eventually claimed a late equaliser through Adam Lallana to salvage a point - but it didn't stop Klopp complaining about United's negative approach.

Klopp said: “Everybody is happy when United are playing against Liverpool, they think both teams are trying…they are not really trying.

"When we came here this year, last year and the year before they just defended."

However, Solskjaer dismissed those claims and insisted his side did have a positive approach.

He said: “We set the team up to attack and be aggressive and create chances and I think we did that."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live about the way the game unfolded, Solskjaer added: "You can say that it’s a bonus we made them look at tactics.

"When you get teams doing something different to what they normally do then you know you have executed your plan.

"But then they still caused us problems second half and we struggled with possession and that was why we were tired."

Jose Mourinho waded into the row to poke fun at Klopp after his comments, pointing to the fact he has yet to win a game as Liverpool boss at Old Trafford.

Reacting to Klopp's comments on Sky Sports, the former United boss said: Sky Sports: "Because he never beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. I think he didn't like the menu.

"He likes meat and he got fish, so he was not happy."