Mane benched vs Man Utd: Klopp justifies dropping Liverpool star

The Senegalese has been snubbed from the Reds starting XI for a second successive game.

Jurgen Klopp insists he “to use the squad” while explaining his decision to drop Sadio Mane to the bench for Liverpool’s match against Manchester United.

Mane has been in fine form this season, scoring five goals in his first eight Premier League matches.

However, Klopp overlooked the 29-year-old when naming his starting XI for Sunday’s decisive fixture at Old Trafford, opting to start Diogo Jota in his place.

“We have to use the squad, that’s how it is,” the Reds boss said about his decision to start Jota ahead of Mane, speaking to Sky Sports before the match.

“In a game like this, you don’t want to be changing six or seven times.

“But Diogo before the international break was in outstanding scoring form then went to the national team, slightly injured and needed a little bit of time to come back.”

Ibrahima Konate was allowed to make only his second league start against Manchester United – a decision that was also questioned by many fans.

“Ibrahima who arrived at Anfield over the summer, is training at the highest level and, of course, Joel is a great player, but we cannot just push it through all the time,” said Klopp.

“We saw a few things where we thought it would be a good game for Ibrahima. Hopefully he will have a good game.”