Liverpool midfielder Emre Can lavished praise on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea following his impressive display in the Europa League Last 16 first-leg.

“We need to play like we did in that first half. De Gea is a very good goalkeeper and he made some great saves,” Can was quoted as saying in the Liverpool Echo.

United ended up losing the European competition clash against Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield but De Gea prevented what could have been a heavier defeat.

Liverpool did score twice but would have netted again were it not for the heroics of United keeper De Gea who faced eight shots on target and made a string of terrific saves.

The Red Devils are now without a win in their last six knockout games in all competitions but will have the chance to redeem themselves in the second-leg at Old Trafford next week.

De Gea’s saves have kept United in the tie and Can warned that his side cannot afford to underestimate their Premier League rivals.

“But it’s a great scoreline for us to take into the second leg and we need to keep going like that at Old Trafford. We have to keep it up if we’re going to go through,” he added.

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford next week for the return-leg tie and Can is expected to start.

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