United handcuffs vaunted Reds

Mourinho's squad limits Liverpool to two shots on goal

Manchester United's David de Gea leaps to block a shot by Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho during Monday's English Premier League match at Anfield. De Gea faced only two shots in the 0-0 draw. [Photo/Agencies]

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said his team exposed Liverpool's shortcomings after holding Jurgen Klopp's high-scoring crew to a 0-0 draw on Monday.

Liverpool went into the match at Anfield seeking a sixth straight win in all competitions and bidding to draw level on points with Premier League leader Manchester City and second-place Arsenal.

But United held the Reds to few chances, with visiting goalkeeper David de Gea largely untroubled apart from a pair of eye-catching second-half saves to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho.

"The goalkeeper (De Gea) was on holiday for 90 minutes, but he had two big saves to make and he made them," said Mourinho, whose side remains seventh in the standings.

"When we got the ball I was expecting the team to be more dangerous, (although) we had two good chances ... but Liverpool did too.

"They are not the last wonder of the world like you (the media) say they are, but they are a very good team so we had to adapt a little."

Premier League statisticians Opta said United only had 35 percent of possession - its lowest tally for a league match since the statistic started being gathered in the 2003-04 season.

Mourinho returned to the media room after he finished addressing reporters to say the club's own statistician said United had seen a little more of the ball.

"My guy did it - 42 (percent), not 35," he said.

"I thought that number was crazy. We chart it ourselves, with better people than them."

Mourinho had earlier dismissed the importance of statistics, pointing out that United won 1-0 at Anfield under his predecessor Louis van Gaal last season despite being largely outplayed.

"Last season United won here, Liverpool had 14 shots on target and United had one," he said.

"How many shots on target did Liverpool have today? Two. Two shots on target - with 65 percent of possession.

"You have to be critical of Liverpool. It is their problem, not our problem."