Five things we learned from Man Utd’s defeat to Liverpool

Man Utd bowed out of Europa League last night after drawing their home leg 1-1 with Liverpool. United needed to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg, but all they could muster was a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Anthony Martial raised the hopes of home fans by scoring a 32nd-minute penalty, but the Red Devils were left with a mountain to climb with after Philippe Coutinho equalized the score on the 45th minute.

Here are the five things we learned from the game.

1) David de Gea once again proved his worth

The Spaniard goalkeeper was once again immaculate in the goal despite ending on the losing side. His save from Coutinho’s shot on the 28th-minute of the game was a testament to his talent. United will have a real battle on their hands in keeping hold of their most valuable player in the summer.

2) Ryan Giggs took charge of the stage

The United legend was seen relaying instructions from the technical area while Louis Van Gaal preferred to stay in the dugout. Was that a sign of the things to come? Giggs looked every bit a manager-in-the-making last night, and it will be interesting to see what route United board adapts in their next managerial appointment.

3) First time United lost to an English opponent in a European competition

Louis Van Gaal got one more undesirable record to his name last night. It was the first time United bowed out to an English opponent in a European competition and the fact that it was Liverpool made it all the worse for the Dutchman. Van Gaal’s time is surely running out at the Theatre of Dreams.

4) Philippe Coutinho once again showed his class

The Brazilian was in a mood last night. He showed extraordinary calm and composure to dink the ball over David de Gea to equalize the score. There were other moments of brilliance from him also in the game: particularly his attempt on the goal in the 28th minute in the game and his run through midfield which left many United players in its wake.

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5) Jurgen Klopp is proving to be an ideal appointment at Anfield

With every passing day, the German is proving to be a shrewd appointment by the Reds. His team has been performing much better since the return of injured stars. A League Cup final appearance and a convincing triumph over Man Utd in Europa League justify his reputation.