Manchester United: Jose Mourinho Calls Liverpool 'Defensive' After Ibrahimovic Rescues Draw

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, right.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, right, at Old Trafford, Manchester, January 15. Mourinho's side preserved its unbeaten run against Liverpool. Laurence Griffiths/Getty

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praised his team for its positive attitude following a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United came into the game on a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions but that looked at risk after a James Milner penalty gave Liverpool the lead in the first half.

Mourinho changed tactics, bringing on Marouane Fellaini in the second period as United sought an equalizer. A more direct approach paid off on 84 minutes, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic stooped to head in a cross from Antonio Valencia.

"I didn't think the game had super quality. We didn't reflect the qualities we have and Liverpool have but it was very emotional, intense, aggressive. We fought until the last second," Mourinho told BBC Sport.

"They [Liverpool] were clever. They took their time, they know how to play football and control the emotions of the game. They knew they would be in trouble in the final few minutes.

"We were the team that attacked and Liverpool were the team that defended. Let's see if the critics are fair. I enjoyed it but I will obviously be disappointed we didn't get the three points."

The draw, the second in two English Premier League meetings between Liverpool and United this season, meant Chelsea extended its lead at the top of the table to seven points from Jurgen Klopp's side.

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