KEY POINTS

  • Man Utd defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford on Monday
  • Rashford and Sancho scored for the Red Devils
  • Mo Salah netted the lone goal for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has explained why he did not start senior midfielder Fabinho in Liverpool's 2-1 loss against Manchester United.

James Milner, Jordon Henderson and Harvey Elliot comprised Klopp's midfield in the starting XI at Old Trafford on Monday.

In a post-match media conference, when Klopp was asked if Fabinho did not start because of an injury, the German boss replied, "No, we have at the moment five senior midfielders and we have to start with three. We could start with two if we would have more attackers but we have only three attackers, so it means we start with three and then we change during the game and it's like how we want to start."

"And how we want to change, we have to think before the game and that's the only reason for it. This is not the story of the game as well. It's just the decision for this game," added Klopp.

Liverpool's Brazilian trio (from left to right) Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker and Fabinho could miss the Premier League match against Leeds
Fabinho (right) has been a key figure at Liverpool over the last couple of years POOL / PHIL NOBLE

A few minutes into the second half in Manchester, Fabinho came off the bench and replaced skipper Henderson.

Liverpool were without key midfielder Naby Keita, who is currently sidelined with an injury. Keita is not expected to return to training Tuesday.

"We need further assessment, but it doesn't look like that tomorrow he is in training. But we need further assessment. It's just Sunday, yesterday, and then whether we know more tomorrow, I don't know," said Klopp.

The Reds suffered their first Premier League defeat since December as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford netted for the hosts before the half-time break. Mohamed Salah pulled one back for Liverpool but Klopp's side failed to find an equalizer.

While Liverpool are yet to register their first victory of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, the win kickstarted Erik ten Hag's era at Old Trafford in style. It was also the Red Devils' first win of the season that came on the back of two straight losses.

Liverpool are scheduled to face Bournemouth next and Manchester United's upcoming game is against Southampton; both the fixtures will be played on Aug. 27.