Gerrard: 'We showed United too much respect'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard acknowledged the Anfield side gave Manchester United too much space to play in the first half of today’s draw between the Barclays Premiership rivals.

Alex Ferguson’s side had the better of the first half and although Liverpool improved after the turnaround it ended goalless.

Gerrard said afterwards: “Maybe we showed them a little bit too much respect in the first half.

“But if you take too many chances and push men forward they (United) are that good on the counter-attack they can nick it 1-0.

“I think they will be happy to come to Anfield and get a point.”

The England midfielder continued on Sky Sports: “I think it’s a fair result.

“They controlled the first half and we pushed more in the second half without creating any clear-cut chances.”

Gerrard himself had the best chance of the game with a long-range effort which was saved by Edwin van der Sar.

And the Liverpool midfielder continued: “I caught it well and saw it moving but it has to be right in the corner to beat Van der Sar – he is a world-class goalie. You have to hit it perfectly to beat him.

“I thought we started the second half a lot better and were the better side in the second half.”

Liverpool have now netted just once in four league games, although they have yet to concede a goal.

Gerrard said: “We’ll keep working on the training ground and hopefully the goals will come.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: ``It's a good point.

“Manchester United are strong and good in defence, so it was difficult.

“I think the teams are similar, although you will always opportunities to win these type of games.”

Asked about his team’s goalscoring difficulties, the Spaniard added: “You can’t win if you don’t score but it’s better to have clean sheets.

“Sometimes it’s down to luck – we can improve but we are going the right way because against clubs we are now controlling games and going forward.”