Darren Fletcher: “To play Liverpool in an open game would be suicidal”

Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes Jose Mourinho’s side will sit deep at Anfield on Sunday as they are not well drilled enough to take Jurgen Klopp’s side on in an open game of football.

This would come as no surprise as every time Mourinho has visited Anfield as Manchester United manager, his side have sat deep.

Liverpool previously have struggled to break down a stubborn defence under Klopp, but it is something they have gradually improved on, meaning they will fancy their chances regardless of how United play.

The Reds enter the clash top of the Premier League table, one point clear of Manchester City.

The Red Devils remain sixth looking to make up ground, but Fletcher believes the only way United can gain something from Anfield is by taking the unpopular approach of sitting deep.

“Manchester United are not drilled enough, they don’t have enough patterns so to go and do that, to play Liverpool in an open game, would be suicidal,” Fletcher told BBC Radio 5Live.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 15, 2017: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in action against Manchester United’s Anthony Martial during the FA Premier League match at Old Trafford. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“The last two seasons at Anfield have been 0-0 and that has shown United sitting back, being hard to beat, looking to nick opportunities on the counter-attack or from set-pieces but not through taking the game to Liverpool.

“Jose Mourinho will be fully aware of Liverpool’s strengths, nullifying them, sitting deep, not giving them space behind, not letting them win the ball in turnovers in dangerous areas. All that will be ruled out.

“It will be instructions to play in Liverpool’s half, missing midfield out. You will probably see Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini and pace either side of Romelu Lukaku.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com