Gary Neville admits “United were awful” against Liverpool

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Liverpool have progressed well beyond his old club this season after beating the Red Devils 3-1 at Anfield on Sunday.

Neville has often by a fierce critic of Jurgen Klopp’s side, particularly in terms of the defensive setup, and remained hopeful on United’s chances during his commentary throughout the game.

However, when Xherdan Shaqiri came off the bench to bag a brace and send his side back to the top of the Premier League, Neville was unable to hide his frustration, which he continued to vent after the game had concluded.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates his goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on December 16, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (AFP/GETTY)

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“I’m in shock,” he said, according to the Echo. “Liverpool were streets ahead of United, absolutely streets ahead. United were awful today.

“They haven’t got anyone in midfield that can pass a ball. Not one of them. They were hanging in there for a bit but the only real team who were going to win the game was Liverpool. It’s not good enough.

“Two years ago, I thought Liverpool could only win the game one way – they either blitzed teams or they caught them in the last half-hour.

“Now it feels like they can win games in different ways – they can hold out for a 1-0, they can respond to going a goal down.

“They’re a much more rounded team. Defensively, they’re so much better. They’re in a far better position than they were 18 months ago and they do look like they’re playing at that highest level now.”

Neville was joined in his assessment of the Reds by another former United star, Roy Keane, who admitted that Klopp’s Liverpool are now capable of winning trophies.

“Can they maintain it? Without a shadow of a doubt,” said Keane.

“They have the squad, they all seem onside – when you win football matches you get that momentum, confidence. Unless they have a disaster with injuries to their attacking players, they’ll be in the mix.

“We’ve thought with Liverpool over the last few years, yes, they’re nice to watch but are they really going to be good enough to win the big prizes? I think the signing of Virgil van Dijk was massive.

“I know the goalkeeper made a mistake but he’ll be a massive player for Liverpool and if they stay injury-free with the attacking players, there are trophies on the way to Anfield, without a shadow of a doubt.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com