- Kobbie Mainoo has revealed what manager Erik ten Hag said during his half-time team talk to help Manchester United secure a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.
- The Red Devils trailed during the first half on Sunday after Luis Diaz’s strike and managed only one shot to Liverpool’s 15 in the opening 45 minutes.
- However, Bruno Fernandes’ effort from inside the centre circle punished Jarell Quansah’s mistake and midfield star Mainoo then put United 2-1 in front, scoring in the 67th minute with his first senior goal at Old Trafford.
- Man Utd attempted nine more shots in the second half and 18-year-old Mainoo outlined what manager Ten Hag had to say during his midpoint team talk.
- Ten Hag spoke to the team at half time / MB Media/GettyImages
- He told BBC: “[Ten Hag] said to get ourselves back into the game, there was some positives but we were behind in this type of fixture, it is going to be tough to take.
- “You always have to find something against these teams, it was such a big game.”
- Mainoo’s goal saw United lead for 17 minutes before a penalty from Mohamed Salah nullified his effort and brought the score to 2-2.
- Ten Hag also shared his mixed feelings with the point, which kept United in sixth place in the league.
- He said: “Very mixed emotions. On one side, I am disappointed that we have dropped seven points in one week, after being in winning positions, but we have to blame ourselves for making stupid mistakes.
- “On the other side, I am very proud. You see how we are improving and the potential of this squad is amazing. I am proud. In decisive areas, we were losing battles, especially with young players, we were not confident to win them [duels].
- “We encouraged [them] in the second half to do better and they stepped up.”
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