Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed why the Reds were unable to limit the influential role that Bruno Fernandes had in Manchester United’s performance.
Arne Slot was left licking his wounds after Manchester United secured a huge victory over rivals Liverpool in Sunday afternoon’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring for United in the first 10 minutes of the match before Bruno Fernandes played a key role in the Red Devils doubling their lead.
Freddie Woodman’s bid to keep Fernandes’ header out saw the Liverpool shot-stopper push the ball onto Benjamin Sesko, who then bundled the ball over the line.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘sublime’ performance has Man Utd fans all feeling same way after 3-2 Liverpool win
Arne Slot claims Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of Man Utd’s counterattacking football against Liverpool
Liverpool pulled level with Manchester United inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half after Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo both scored on Sunday.
However, the Red Devils held their nerves and ultimately regained the lead after Kobbie Mainoo netted a stunning long-range effort past Freddie Woodman.
Man Utd’s latest Premier League win has now moved the Red Devils six points clear of fourth-place Liverpool, with only three league matches remaining this season.
Arne Slot insisted that Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes would “hurt” Liverpool with his ability to unlock the United counterattack at Old Trafford at the weekend.
“We weren’t able to control their strengths,” he said, as per BBC Sport.
“We were aware of them – set-pieces and counter-attack. You have to know where to lose the ball if you play against United.
“They are really strong when they play [in] the middle. They have so many fast players, Bruno Fernandes to hurt you in transition and that’s exactly what happened with the second goal.
“That is what happens. We were 2-0 down, came back in the second half to 2-2 and then we shut off and immediately conceded the goal.”
Michael Carrick reacts to Man Utd securing Champions League football for the 2026-27 campaign at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has ensured that the Red Devils will return to European football next season after Man Utd’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
“Yes, in some ways [proud of securing Champions League],” he told Sky Sports.
“The work that has been done and the players, the way they have performed.
“It’s something we can take a lot from, for sure. Champions League felt in the distance at one point, so there has been a lot of good work to put us in the position with games to go.”
Michael Carrick has three Premier League matches left in his interim head coach reign after he replaced Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout in January.
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