Liverpool defeated Manchester United 2-0 at Anfield thanks to goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah.
The result hardly came as a surprise to United fans, with Solskjaer missing three of his best players in Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford against the runaway league leaders.
But what will despite Reds the most is the manner of the defeat. While Liverpool did deservedly win, United competed well in large periods and were let down by poor zonal marking from a corner.
Van Dijk was allowed a free run to score past David De Gea with Harry Maguire nowhere near close enough to the Dutchman.
Mo Salah’s late goal was then a consequence of United pushing hard and throwing bodies forward for an equaliser.
READ MORE: (Video) David De Gea’s incredible fingertip save to keep out Henderson strike
However, a positive Solskjaer will take from the game is the performance of Fred in midfield.
The Brazilian can hold his head up high after working tirelessly in the centre of the park today.
He covered huge ground in a midfield pairing with the immobile Nemanja Matic and was the driving force to many United attacks.
Despite a 2-0 defeat, Fred had one of his better games in a United shirt and continues to improve.
See reaction from United fans, who were impressed with Fred, below:
Fred!
Man of the match even if on the losing side
Different class.
Needs a top partner, imagine a Ndidi. Also we all know we need a Creative Midfielder#MUFC #LIVMNU pic.twitter.com/BDK1T5BxkM
— Wass (@Wass_Mcr) January 19, 2020
Fred – He was absolutely everywhere. I am seeing a great midfielder in the making. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Iss36WvjwI
— Nishid 👹🔴 (@UTDNISHID) January 19, 2020
Fred was absolutely superb today. #MUFC
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) January 19, 2020
Fred the only player and I mean the ONLY player who can hold his head up high. He gave it his all. Those others need to take a good long hard look at themselves #MUFC #LIVMUN
— Benjamin Brazil (@bennymufc) January 19, 2020
Fred single handedly been the driving force for Manchester United today. One man army. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/4Ct1ZvwBBD
— o ɟ l n z (@thezulfo) January 19, 2020
Fred was the best player on the pitch today
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) January 19, 2020
Fred is improving every game,the only person who can walk off the pitch with pride is him and DDG #MUFC
— ॐ VigneshOne&Only ॐ (@VigneshOneNOnly) January 19, 2020
Fred was standing toe to toe with the Liverpool midfield who are meant to be world class & driving through their defence he was EVERYWHERE all over the pitch could of scored to #mufc #Liverpool 👏🏻
— Kerry Louise (@KerryKez7) January 19, 2020
