Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted he was “really, really mad” that his players have not been able to deliver the level of performance they showed at Liverpool.
The Red Devils put in a confident and confident performance at Anfield for him fight a deserved point away from their bitter rivals – Bruno Fernandes leading by example with an excellent performance in midfield.
United lined up with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield and the pair produced arguably their best performances of the season, complementing a display from Fernandes who showed greater maturity on the ball and much improved decision-making.
Harry Maguire could have won the game at the death for United, but he spooned Joshua Zirkzee's cut-back over Alisson's crossbar.
Speaking of Sky Sports after the game, Amorim admitted he was pleased with United's performance, but was more frustrated by the fact his side have put in a number of subpar performances since he took charge.
“I'm more angry because of other games, so it's even harder to understand some things,” Amorim reflected. “It's not about a system, technique, it's about something else and it's hard to understand for the coach.
“It's a point and I think we should be angry and disappointed more than what we did against Newcastle. We must be really disappointed and I need to calm down and say the right things. We are in a difficult moment. If we play against Liverpool every day we will, but we have to do it against every opponent. We have to fight hard to get out of this situation.
“The way we were really competitive, that's the main thing going forward. I'm happy with the performance, not happy with the result, but I'm really, really mad about the other games.”
unitedHis strength of character has been called into question on many occasions – Amorim himself admitted before the match that his players have been “scared” at times – and the Portuguese added BBC Match of the Day that his team had shown what they are capable of if they are fired up and playing at their best.
“It has to be a big issue for our players that even one person thinks you have the ability but not the character, we have to fight that and change that,” he said. “I think it's really clear. When we are focused, when we fight for every ball, when we suffer and are tired when the game is over, we are a good team.
“If we don't do that all the time, then we're going to lose games. That's clear to everyone.”