Liverpool vs Manchester United: Red Devil’s 35 per cent possession against Liverpool was their lowest since records began
Jose Mourinho set up a side to not get beaten, happy to give Jurgen Klopp's Reds the lion's share of the ball at Anfield
FOLLOWING Liverpoool's drab 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Monday night, visiting boss Jose Mourinho made a very bold claim.
The United chief, 53, reckoned his side bossed the game at Anfield, saying: "We controlled the game not just tactically, but the emotion of it."
Well, if being dominated possession-wise is controlling, then you're absolutely spot on Mr Mourinho.
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After all, United clocked up a mere 35.02 per cent of the ball during the 90 minutes which, incredibly, is the lowest percentage accumulated by a Man United side since records began.
And you have to go all the way back to 2003 to see the birth of possession records...
It is fair to say that Mourinho had a clear plan in his mind against Liverpool: To send out a team to not get beaten.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Special One executed that plan, and all credit to him, but to say his side controlled the game may be something of a stretch, particularly as they relied heavily on David De Gea's heroics.
Manchester United's second-lowest possession of all time was against Swansea in January 2014, when they only mustered 38.53 per cent - still 3.51 per cent more than on Monday Night.
In fact, United have only have had less than 40 per cent of the ball on six further occasions.
Three of those came against Arsenal - once in 2008, one in 2009 and another last season - while two came against Chelsea in 2007 and 2008.
The final one was at the hands of Manchester City THIS season, on September 10 during their 2-1 derby loss.
With Mourinho at the helm, perhaps it's not the end of the turgid, dull style brought to Old Trafford by predecessor Louis van Gaal...
Meanwhile, the Special One was seen out-and-about Tuesday morning, just hours after the 0-0 draw.
The Portuguese chief was leaving the Lowry Hotel en route to training, sporting a personalised 'JM' kit-bag.
Man United next face Fenerbahce on Thursday at Old Trafford in their latest Europa League showdown.