Liverpool were beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend in a disappointing blow for Arne Slot’s side
Cody Gakpo and Casemiro after Liverpool lost to Manchester United(Image: Sky Sports)
Liverpool fans have been quick to defend Cody Gakpo after he was criticised for appearing to ask Manchester United star Casemiro for his shirt following the 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
The Dutch international started up front for Arne Slot’s side, scoring Liverpool’s equaliser just before the hour mark, only for Kobbie Mainoo to score in the latter stages of the second half to consign the Reds to defeat.
It was poor performance from Liverpool, who went two goals down inside just 14 minutes, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko finding the back of the net.
Slot’s side did show some fight in the scond half, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring after the interval before Gakpo found the back of the net.
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The Dutch striker came under fire from some on social media for appearing to ask for Casemiro’s shirt after the full-time whistle.
One fan pointed out the incident and said: “Gakpo asking for Casemiro’s shirt there. Embarrassing, man. What’s happened to this club?”
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However, others have been quick to defend the Liverpool forward.
One fan said: “It doesn’t matter who’s shirt they ask for, get a grip,” while another said: “Brother let it rest, it’s just mutual respect.”
A win for Liverpool would have secured Champions League football, and Slot was annoyed his side couldn’t come away with any points.
Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Man United at Old Trafford(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“We weren’t able to control their strengths,” the Liverpool boss said after the defeat. “We were aware that they had strengths, two of them are set-pieces and the counter attack.
“The first goal we concede is a set-piece and the second one you have to know where to lose the ball against United, who are really strong and aggressive in a low block and you play the ball into the middle where is Casemiro and Mainoo and their center-backs.
“If you lose it they have so many fast players, and Bruno Fernandes to hurt you in transition. That is exactly what happened.
“We were 2-0 down and came back in the second half to 2-2, but as always we were to switch off in one moment and conceded the goal.
“We had a lot of ball possession,” he added. “One of their strengths is also defending in a low block and [launching] a counter attack. That’s why in the second half I tried to play a bit more on both sides with the wingers. We went, in the first half, a little bit too much for the middle and they counter you.”
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