Marouane Fellaini: This is the real reason why Man Utd suffered against Liverpool

MAROUANE FELLAINI has cited Manchester United’s inability to respect Louis van Gaal’s game-plan as the main reason as to why they lost against Liverpool.

The Red Devils produced an insipid display as Jurgen Klopp’s men took the initiative in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie at Anfield and ran out 2-0 winners.

United legends Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes blamed a lack of leadership and fight for the defeat.

But Fellaini believes there is much more simple explanation.

“We didn’t press well in the first half. I think the second half was much better and we had more possession of the ball,” Fellaini said.

“But in the first half we didn’t show enough respect to the game-plan of the manager. That’s why we conceded a lot of chances.

“The plan before the game was to press from the start. We didn’t do it well at all first half so we changed in the second half and it was better.”

United will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face West Ham in the FA Cup sixth round tomorrow (4pm).