Former Liverpool star Steve McMahon says that Jose Mourinho does not set his teams up to win games, with not losing them his first focus and a frustrating afternoon on the cards at Anfield this weekend.

The Reds will lock horns with rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League as they aim to build on the ascent to the top of the league table last weekend.




Despite having had to wait until matchday six in the Champions League to book their safe passage to the knockout stages, Liverpool have been impressive in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are the only unbeaten side in England’s top flight and boast the meanest defence in the division after conceding just six goals since the start of the season.
 


However, Liverpool are expected to face a stiff challenge while trying to break down Manchester United on Sunday, especially considering Mourinho’s familiar tactics away from home against their rivals.

McMahon says that Mourinho will bring off any player who goes over the halfway line as he adopts ultra defensive tactics. The Liverpool legend also dismissed thoughts the Portuguese sets his teams up to win games.

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“He [Mourinho] will just be bothered about not being beaten”, McMahon said on LFC TV.

“He keeps saying he tries to win every game, but no he doesn't. He sets his team up not to be beaten.

“Do you think he is going to come to Anfield and be gung-ho? He will go with pace up top and try to be counter-attacking.

“But he will stifle that midfield, he will suffocate it. He will play all the defensive minded players that he has in the team. He might just play [Romelu] Lukaku up top.

“He won't tell the players to go out and try and win the game. He'll say if you go over the half line and I'll bring you off!

“There will just be banks of a four and a five, and they won't move, and they will make it difficult for Liverpool.

“It will be a frustrating afternoon, but an intriguing one because it is against United.”

The corresponding fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United ended in a goalless draw at Anfield in October 2017.