Klopp already playing catch up in title race

LIVERPOOL’S frustration was summed up in the 30th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold sent an aimless first-time cross out of play.

Skipper Jordan Henderson (below) threw down both his arms at another chance squandered, in what amounted to an uncharacteristically sloppy display from the Anfield side.

While Manchester United, full of endeavour and enterprise, were unrecognisable from the lamentable performances against Brighton and Brentford, Liverpool continued their sluggish start to the season.

James Milner ceded possession on numerous occasions in the first half, with the visitors’ midfield three of him, Henderson and Harvey Elliott lacking fluency and understanding.

Alexander-Arnold epitomised Liverpool’s wretched display. Lucky not to be booked for a cynical trip on Marcus Rashford, he was cautioned for hauling down Anthony Elanga.

He was culpable early on when Elanga got in behind him, only to thud the ball at a post, and was caught flat-footed when the United winger exchanged passes with Christian Eriksen, then crossed for Jadon Sancho to open the scoring.

For all his assists and occasional goal threat, Alexander-Arnold is a liability defensively, and it was clear that United had targeted him as Liverpool’s weak link down their right.

Brought into the starting line-up in place of the benched Cristiano Ronaldo, Elanga tormented Alexander-Arnold (both, above) early on with his pace and direct running.

Quite why Jurgen Klopp chose to start with Fabinho, arguably his most accomplished defensive midfielder, on the bench only he knows, but Liverpool suffered without his authority in the middle, before he was introduced just before the hour mark.

There was mitigation, of course, with Thiago, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and the banned Darwin Nunez missing.

But Liverpool have made their worst start to a season for a decade and are already playing catch-up in the title race.