The United midfielder reflects on Europa League defeat to Liverpool and concedes that the result was partly due to the manager's tactics being ignored
Marouane Fellaini has revealed that Manchester United did not respect Louis Van Gaal’s gameplan in their 2-0 Europa League defeat against Liverpool.
The Belgium international made the admission after the game before suggesting that United upped their performance levels in the second half.
Fellaini told Uefa.com: “I think in the first half, we didn’t respect the gameplan of the manager, so it was difficult for us.
"The second-half we did well, we did better, had more possession, tried to create chances but tonight we didn’t do enough to score a goal."
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring for Liverpool from the penalty spot, before Roberto Firmino doubled the Reds’ lead in the second half.
A string of excellent saves from United goalkeeper David De Gea kept the deficit to two ahead of the second-leg at Old Trafford next week, and Fellaini believes the Spain international has given the Red Devils hope ahead of the return-leg.
“Everyone knows the quality of David – he kept us in the game a few times," added Fellaini.
"He did well tonight. Now we have a second chance at Old Trafford and it is possible [to come back]. We can score goals – We did it before, so I think it will a great to see the next game.”
- Goal