Liverpool FC News: Jamie Carragher names player Reds desperately missed vs Man Utd

Jamie Carragher has claimed that Liverpool may well have beaten Manchester United on Sunday afternoon had one key player been available at Old Trafford. 

The Reds stumbled to a 2-2 draw against their fierce rivals as they lost ground in the title race, ruing wasted opportunities and defensive errors as they return to Merseyside with just a point.

Luis Diaz had given Liverpool the lead at half-time but they should have been much further ahead given the quality and number of chances created, with wonder goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo turning the match on its head after the restart.

Mohamed Salah's late penalty ensured that Liverpool came away with a draw from Old Trafford, but it could have been more for the Reds had one important player been available - according to Carragher at least.

LIVERPOOL COULD HAVE WON HAD KEY STAR BEEN FIT

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast after the game, former Liverpool defender Carragher admitted that the Reds could have come away with all three points had sharpshooter Diogo Jota been fit to play.

Talking about Liverpool's profligacy, Carragher stated: "I think the one thing when you're talking about the difference between Liverpool and Manchester City is how clinical Manchester City are.

"I think a lot of those counter-attacks, they play that better pass. I mean, the teams are different, I get that. Liverpool are more just end-to-end, pressing, a bit mad. But it's a bit more composed for Man City.

"But I think the one player that Liverpool have missed there [at Old Trafford] is Diogo Jota. They need him back badly because Liverpool score a lot of goals, but they also miss the most chances in the league. I think they have hit the woodwork more than any other team.

"When you think of the finishers they have got, you'd say 'Well, Salah gets the goals', but the others are a bit scruffy. They get goals, but are they clinical enough?

"I just think some of the situations that [Darwin] Nunez had today, if Diogo Jota is there on the pitch for Liverpool today then there's a great chance that Liverpool are coming away with three points."

Jota should be returning to training this week according to Jurgen Klopp after injuring his knee in mid-February against Brentford, and he will be welcomed back into the matchday squad by Liverpool supporters.

However, when he will actually be fit to feature for the Reds remains to be seen after such a long period on the sidelines.

Liverpool are currently second in the table and behind league leaders Arsenal on goal difference, while Man City are just a point off the Reds in third.