'They just played long balls' — Slot critics Amorim's tactics in Liverpool vs Man United

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has criticised Manchester United's decision to be ultra-defensive and direct for what he estimated to be about 75 minutes in the game. 

The Reds are the Premier League leaders. Earlier today, they had the chance to open up an eight-point lead, with a game in hand on second-place Arsenal; however, they faltered, dropping two points at home to their struggling rivals. 

Speaking after the match, the Liverpool boss rubbished suggestions that he underestimated Manchester United, given that they had lost four consecutive games prior. 

He went on to analyse the opponent's performance, stating that they have the players to be more expansive. He questioned their decision to leave it so late to play more positively, positing that they had the players to do so from the offset. 

"No, I don't think that has anything to do with it [underestimating Man United]. It's just them going into a low block playing here,” Slot said. 

"They have quality with the ball and without the ball, difficult to play through. It was so open when they started to play. You can see more how good they are if they are trying to play.

"For the first 75 minutes, [Andre] Onana played the ball long, and every free-kick they got, they just hit it forward. In the last 15 minutes, you could see if they play over the ground, how good they are."