Liverpool Under-21 boss Michael Beale has laid the blame for his side's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United this evening at the door of Marouane Fellaini.
The Belgian was one of a number of senior players included in Manchester United Under-21s' starting line-up against Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village.
Fellaini scored Manchester United's first goal in the Under-21 Premier League clash just after the half-hour mark, while he then turned provider for Nick Powell, his shot being palmed into the midfielder's path in the 79th minute, Powell turning it in, appearing to kill off Liverpool as it became 2-0.
But Liverpool came back into the game, first when Harry Wilson picked out Jerome Sinclair, who made it 2-1 in the 82nd minute and then when Madger Gomes finished well to make it 2-2 just three minutes later.
Liverpool pushed for a winner, but Manchester United hit the visitors with a sucker punch, the ball being crossed into Fellaini, who held it up in the box and laid it off to Sean Goss, who hit a superb shot from the edge of the area to seal a 3-2 win in the 88th minute.
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Beale was nevertheless pleased with aspects of his side's game and said on LFC TV: "I thought the first half was a really even game. We were really disappointed with the goal. It was sloppy from us.
"We didn't block the cross, but the big lad [Fellaini] does that in the Premier League doesn't he?
"We had a goal disallowed which I am led to believe shouldn't have been disallowed.
"Fair credit to the boys. They get back from 2-0 down and got what they deserved at 2-2. Then maybe we had a chance and Jerome with his left foot needs to take that on.
"I think we could defend better for all three goals though to be honest."
Beale though is in no doubt who was the key man, Fellaini the culprit, though he noted Manchester United also fielded Argentina international Sergio Romero in goal.
"He impacted the game big time, Fellaini.
"And Romero – they are experienced international players and they affected the game."
