Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp offers withering assessment of Manchester United in defeat to Man City

The German was speaking ahead of the Reds' must-win game at Huddersfield on Friday night

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a brief and withering assessment of Manchester United's tame efforts against crosstown rivals Man City on Wednesday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were completely outplayed and outgunned by the reigning Premier League champions, who left Old Trafford with a 2-0 win that leaves them just three wins from retaining their league title.

Klopp, whose Liverpool side have been desperately trying to chase City down, had hoped for a bounceback performance from United after their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday.

Instead he watched on as Pep Guardiola's side picked apart United to win through second-half goals from Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane.

"It was really the result I expected," said Klopp.

"Manchester United tried whatever they can but over 90 minutes it was clear they couldn't withstand City.

"I was calm."

Klopp was speaking at a press conference ahead of Liverpool's clash with Huddersfield on Friday night, where his side must win to keep up the pressure ahead of City's trip to Burnley.

Guardiola said on Wednesday night that the remarkable run of form enjoyed by both his side and Liverpool have made the title race 'incredible' in its quality.

"We are on 89 points and Liverpool 88 points and it's tough because there are still three games to play, it is incredible," the Spaniard said. "We still need to win our remaining games, starting on Sunday at Turf Moor."

Additional reporting by agencies