Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has dismissed the notion that their failure to secure a win at Old Trafford last season cost Jurgen Klopp another Premier League title.
However, the Scottish defender acknowledges that new manager Arne Slot can make a significant statement when the Reds face their fiercest rivals Manchester United just three games into the new season.
Liverpool were ousted from the FA Cup by United in a thrilling 4-3 quarter-final match in March, and later forfeited two crucial points in their quest to outdo Manchester City and Arsenal for the championship with a 2-2 draw. Despite dominating both matches, they failed to clinch victory.
Robertson said: “Getting a point at Old Trafford can never be a negative, in the past or in the future, when it’s one of the oldest rivalries. When you go to these places, of course you want to win.
“But if you do walk off with a draw you can’t be overly disappointed. On that day, I think that if we were a bit more clinical we would have got the three points – but it was other results that cost us in the end.
“Crystal Palace at home, West Ham and Everton away. That week where we didn’t pick up enough points was when we realised we weren’t in the title race anymore. I really don’t think the United game was a moment that made us think we were out of it.
“Obviously we’ve moved on from that but last season did hurt there. The 4-3 game, we dominated for a large part and played good enough to win the game. But sometimes these things go against you and that is what happened that day and it was unfortunate.”
Liverpool often rely on the Anfield factor to overcome visiting teams – and Robertson concedes Old Trafford can have the same kind of effect when it is in full voice.
Slot’s first two games have realised six points and successive clean sheets, while United have won one of their two fixtures – but form can often be fickle in these fixtures.
Robertson said: “When you go to any away ground it’s important to keep the away fans quiet but when you go to places like Old Trafford it’s even more important because you know how the fans can drive the home team forward.
“We have that every second week and they’ve also got it, especially when they’re up against one of their biggest rivals.
“It’s up to us, being the away team, to keep them quiet. Just like they try to do when they come to Anfield. So that’s always our plan. It doesn’t always work like that.
“If they do get momentum, then it’s about dipping into your experience, not giving away silly things in crucial moments, and try to work your way back into the game.
“It’s always big when you win against your rivals, especially away from home. You alway enjoy those wins a little bit more and people take more notice.
“When you go away to any of the big teams, you always want to get the result that makes everyone else look. That’s always the aim when the teams come to Anfield and it’s always the aim when we go to their different stadiums.
“I think a lot of people are saying this is probably our first proper test.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk