Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho takes a dig at Liverpool, explains argument with Klopp

Jose Mourinho was involved in a heated argument with his opposite number Jurgen Klopp during the match.

The highly-anticipated North-West derby lived up to its billing as it provided a lot of controversial moments and saw an anxious end with both teams fighting for the elusive victory.

Liverpool left-back James Milner held his nerve to score in the first half after Paul Pogba gave away a needless penalty while defending a corner.

This goal came against the run of play as United were dominating possession and were threatening the Liverpool goal. However, the Reds went into half time holding the upper hand.

It was a mixed second half, with both teams having equal opportunities to find the back of the net, but it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic who scored in the dying stages to secure a well-deserved draw for the hosts.

Around the 90 minute mark the two managers Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp were seen involved in a heated argument. Both passionate personalities did not appear to hold back and exchanged words with each other before they had to be pacified by the fourth official.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Jose Mourinho manager of Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool argue on the touchline the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Jose Mourinho manager of Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool argue on the touchline the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo Courtesy: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The United boss appeared to be unhappy after Roberto Firmino aggressively reacted to Ander Herrera’s foul on him that saw the duo shown a yellow card. Mourinho expressed his displeasure to the official, which received a heated reaction from Klopp on the touchline.

Speaking to the press after the game, Mourinho cooled down the situation and explained what exactly happened between the duo. According to ESPN, he said, “He thought I was asking for his player to be sent off. I wasn’t. No problem at all.

“I think the game was correct, I think the players gave everything in an emotional way, professional way. I think the referee managed very well that part of the game.”

The last time the two sides met, Mourinho’s team was criticised for a defensive approach. However, this time around, Liverpool were seen employing similar tactics after taking the lead. The United manager believed his side were the better team and should have picked up three points.

“We were the team who attacked, Liverpool were the ones who defended. I think we deserve more, but I think the point is something we have to accept. They stopped our consecutive run of wins, but they didn’t end our run without defeat,” said Mourinho.

This run saw Manchester United’s nine-game winning streak in all competitions abruptly snapped, but it extended their unbeaten run to sixteen games. The Red Devils, however, failed to make up ground on Manchester City who suffered a shock 4-0 defeat to Everton.

With a point, Liverpool now sit third – level on points with second-placed Spurs, but seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea. The Red Devils remain in sixth position with 40 points from 21 games.

Also Read: Manchester United in pole position to sign Atalanta’s attacking sensation

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