Kobbie Mainoo reveals how Erik ten Hag half-time team talk inspired Liverpool draw

Kobbie Mainoo has revealed what manager Erik ten Hag said during his half-time team talk to help Manchester United secure a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The Red Devils trailed during the first half on Sunday after Luis Diaz's strike and managed only one shot to Liverpool's 15 in the opening 45 minutes.

However, Bruno Fernandes' effort from inside the centre circle punished Jarell Quansah's mistake and midfield star Mainoo then put United 2-1 in front, scoring in the 67th minute with his first senior goal at Old Trafford.

Man Utd attempted nine more shots in the second half and 18-year-old Mainoo outlined what manager Ten Hag had to say during his midpoint team talk.

He told : "[Ten Hag] said to get ourselves back into the game, there was some positives but we were behind in this type of fixture, it is going to be tough to take.

«You always have to find something against these teams, it was such a big game.»

Mainoo's goal saw United lead for 17 minutes before a penalty from Mohamed Salah nullified his effort and brought the score to 2-2.

Ten Hag also shared his mixed feelings with the point, which kept United in sixth place in the league.

He said: «Very mixed emotions. On one side, I am disappointed that we have dropped seven points in one week, after being in winning positions, but we have to blame ourselves for making stupid mistakes.

»On the other side, I am very proud. You see how we are improving and the potential of this squad is amazing. I am proud. In decisive areas, we were losing battles, especially with young players, we were not confident to win them [duels].

«We encouraged [them] in the second half to do better and they stepped up.»

feed