Roy Keane had already warned Ralf Rangnick about Manchester United tactics vs Liverpool

Roy Keane had already warned Ralf Rangnick about Manchester United's tactics before Liverpool swept his men aside during a brutal opening 45 minutes at Anfield. Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah made an already daunting task seem impossible after United made four changes to their line-up.

Among those alterations was a return for rarely-used defender Phil Jones, which also signalled five at the back with Raphael Varane still missing through injury. Jones had Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for company with the three centre-backs flanked by Diogo Dalot and the returning Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Outlining his surprise at Jones being included pre-match, Keane also posed question marks over Rangnick for going with so many defensive players. Indeed, the former United captain suggested it might welcome unwanted pressure from a free-scoring Liverpool side who need no such invitation.

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It was an observation he doubled down on at the half-time interval. Speaking at that stage, Keane said: "There is no point in having all the bodies behind the ball if they are not going to be intense. You'll get kidded on, it's just quality from Liverpool. The worst possible start from United."

Speaking pre-match, the Irish favourite said: "If you go with a back three or back five it gives you that false sense of security. Phil Jones has come into it. Listen, we all know about his injury problems.

"This is his fourth start in three seasons. Pfft. Good luck with that."

Liverpool went 2-0 up inside 22 minutes at Anfield. Senegal forward Sadio Mane later added a third goal.

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