Reds stopper Karius thanks Man Utd for their ‘big compliment’

Manchester United paid Liverpool a massive compliment with their defensive set-up at Anfield on Monday and keeper Loris Karius insists the home side needed to show a bit more patience.

After the opening half-hour, Liverpool dominated possession and proceedings but could not find a way past David de Gea in the United goal.

The Spaniard made top-class saves to deny both Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho as the Reds turned the screw but were unable to break the goalless stalemate.

But after Jose Mourinho’s United – whose best chance fell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – opted for caution in their tactical approach, Karius was happy to take the positives.

“We knew we had to be patient because it’s going to be tough,” he said. .

“United maybe waited for the one chance to get a goal, as obviously their priority was to stop our play, our attacks.

(ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images)

“They know we’re a really strong team, so that’s a compliment for us.

“Second half, we managed better to get through, but United defended well with De Gea making top saves.”

“De Gea has enjoyed great development over the last few years and you can just see he gets better and better.

“He’s right up there among the very best in the world, playing at a consistently high level and is a top goalkeeper.”