Not a clear, obvious foul, insists Solskjaer
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp bemoaned Manchester United’s defensive tactics and a controversial VAR call as the European champions’ 17game winning run in the Premier League came to an end in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford’s controversial goal handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling side a 1-0 halftime lead, but they could not hold out for a much-needed victory as substitute Adam Lallana levelled five minutes from time.
Liverpool move six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but Klopp still felt his side missed an opportunity to inflict more pain on a United side sitting 13th in the Premier League.
“Pretty much everything went against us. Our own performance in the first half as well,” said Klopp, who was left baffled by the VAR decision not to rule out Rashford’s goal for a foul on Divock Origi by Victor Lindelof in the build-up.
“I was 100 percent sure VAR will overrule it,” he added. “The ref let the game run because he has VAR but then VAR says ‘it is not clear’ so we could say it is not a foul. It’s a clear VAR issue in how we deal with it in the moment.”
United answered Solskjaer’s calls to rise to the occasion as his switch to a 3-5-2 formation restricted the league leaders to precious few chances.
United had not scored in their two previous matches prior to the international break, but finally produced a moment of quality going forward to take the lead, even if fortune was also on their side for the goal to stand.
After Lindelof and Origi’s coming together, Daniel James’ cross perfectly picked out Rashford to prod past Alisson.
“No chance,” said Solskjaer when asked if he thought it was a foul by Lindelof.
“It’s not basketball, he touched him but it’s not a clear and obvious error. I don’t think it’s a foul.”
United are now off to their worst league start in 33 years as a point leaves them still just two points above the relegation zone, but Solskjaer is hopeful holding the league leaders proves to be a turning point.
“I’m disappointed I can’t sit here and talk about a win, but the performance is very positive,” said Solskjaer. “One point today is the start of something. We need to start winning games.” –