stalemate Roy Keane points an accusing finger at Paul Pogba as Graeme Souness pinpoints Liverpool's biggest problem

Blanks fired at Anfield as Liverpool's front three miss their targets

Paul Pogba was denied by Alisson (Michael Regan/PA)

January 17 2021 08:24 PM

Roy Keane believes Manchester United will rue their missed chances as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

While Liverpool dominated possession in the top of the table clash, Paul Pogba missed a glorious chance to win it in the closing stages for United, with Keane suggesting the French World Cup winner should have taken his chance.

"I think they will be disappointed with their two best chances of the whole game," he told Sky Sports. "Liverpool obviously had a lot of possession, started well, but United had chances.

"They had the two big chances United had in the second half, particularly the more you watch it - Pogba - they're saying it's a great save but he has to score.

"What a boost that would have been for United - spoiling their home record, the three points. Pogba, you can tell by his reaction. His first touch excellent. Oh my goodness. Has to score. Go across the goalkeeper. Anywhere but straight at him.

"It's easy when you're watching here but Pogba, because his first touch was so good he's given himself the opportunity to go across the goalkeeper.

"Huge moment in the season for United. Credit to the keeper he stood up, made himself big but that was the chance you'd be praying for before the game.

"You can't say Liverpool are playing badly but they've lost their spark, so United missed a chance to punish them."

Keane's fellow Sky Sports analyst Graeme Souness turned his fire on Liverpool's celebrated front three, as Jurgen Klopp's side went through a third straight Premier League game without scoring a goal.

While midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho did a decent job as make-shift centre-backs, Souness suggested Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino need to improve if Liverpool's title defence is to be revived.

"Looking at Liverpool as a Liverpool supporter as to where they've been going wrong, it's the front three. There's no sparkle, no special moments for them," he stated.

"Firmino didn't take part in the game a lot. Salah didn't slip past Shaw once which was the best I've seen anyone handle Salah.

"David De Gea didn't have many saves. Liverpool huffed and puffed but there was nothing special. Nobody committing defenders, that didn't happen today. Salah had a very quiet game.

"I think it's a makeshift team, the two centre-backs are makeshift defenders.

"The make up of the midfield when Thiago came in and Shaqiri not playing a lot - they did well. Thiago did fade and that's when Man United started to break on Liverpool."