Bruno's honest Anfield appraisal

Having gone in at the break a goal down at Anfield, the Reds had opportunities in the first half through both Marcus Rashford and Bruno himself, but conceded six times following the second-half restart.

Bruno provided his reaction to Sky Sports following the full-time whistle on Merseyside, insisting he knows our standards must be much higher heading into a pivotal part of our season.

''Obviously it is really frustrating, disappointing and sad because it is a really bad result,'' Bruno said.

''We came here with a different mindset before the game but I think the first half was really good from ourselves, we had a lot of chances and we controlled most of the first half, they didn't create that much.

''The second half wasn't at our level and we gave too much space away, we gave too much time and counters to them and we know how much of a threat they are from that.

''It was not [up to] our level and we know how much better we can be and how much quality we have. We have to focus now on the next game and get a result back.''

With our next test coming the way of La Liga outfit Real Betis on Thursday evening in the Europa League, Ten Hag's men must now dust ourselves down ahead of another busy week of action.

Our Premier League encounter with Southampton then follows just three days after, with Bruno insisting the Anfield result against Jurgen Klopp's side cannot stand in the way of our aims of more possible success.

''It can't be because we have a game on Thursday,'' when quizzed on if the defeat could be damaging for the Reds. ''The games are coming quick and we have had setbacks in the past, so we have to come back again.

''This is what Manchester United is about, we can go down but we have to go back. We know how good we are and we know that, today, we didn't show and perform at our level.

''We know that this team is really good and it can do really good things, today was not the case, but I am pretty sure this team can do great things.

''Together with the fans, I have to appreciate their support and for all their appreciation at the end of the game, even in a game like this, when you lose to your biggest rival.

''Being still in the Europa League, still in the FA Cup, winning the Carabao Cup and this team needs to get back on track.''