Can Disappointed with United Draw, Still Working Towards Form and Fitness

If there’s one match that gets the Twittersphere in a buzz, it’s Liverpool against Manchester United and the Premier League Social Index reflected that perfectly despite the fact that it wasn’t your typical blood and thunder encounter between these two storied sides.

“I think we deserved to win,” said Reds midfielder Emre Can following the scoreless draw at Anfield last night. “It wasn’t our best game but we played better than Manchester United. Their goalkeeper made two great saves for them,” explained the German midfielder who came close to breaking the deadlock with a close range effort. “Facing Manchester United is a big derby for us, for the fans and for the Liverpool family. I think everybody worked very hard,” added Can. “We wanted to win and we gave everything. It’s a bit disappointing but we’re looking forward to the next game now and we have to keep working.”

In what as at points a turgid affair, United ‘keeper David de Gea proved to be the difference with the Spaniard pulling off a spectacular flying save to keep out a banger from Philippe Coutinho and he showed a strong hand to keep Can off the scoresheet when the combative midfielder dug out an opportunity at close range. Although the result leaves Liverpool missing out on a chance to go level on points with league leaders Manchester City, they remain in the mix at the top of the table and, just as notable, ahead of their bitter rivals.

“That was my first 90 minutes for five months so I am very happy I started,” mused Can, reflecting on the match in the grander scheme of things. “I need to get my fitness and confidence back. I played last year as the No 6, now I play as the No 8 and can go a bit further forward. My target is to score more goals and give more assists,” said the 22-year old. “We trained for four or five days all together after the internationals so we were fit and ready for the game. We just couldn’t find a way through.”