Cody Gakpo supported over Casemiro gesture after Liverpool's defeat to Man Utd

Cody Gakpo has been defender by some fans for what he did after the full time whistle following Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday

Liverpool supporters have been quick to defend Cody Gakpo after the forward faced criticism for appearing to request Manchester United star Casemiro's shirt following the 3-2 loss at Old Trafford. The Dutch international led the line for Arne Slot's side, netting Liverpool's equaliser just before the hour mark, only for Kobbie Mainoo to strike late in the second half to seal the Reds' defeat.

It was a disappointing display from Liverpool, who found themselves two goals down within just 14 minutes, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko both getting on the scoresheet. Slot's men did show some resilience in the second half, with Dominik Szoboszlai pulling one back before Gakpo drew the sides level.

The 26-year-old attracted criticism from some quarters on social media for seemingly requesting Casemiro's shirt after the final whistle. One supporter highlighted the moment and said: "Gakpo asking for Casemiro's shirt there. Embarrassing, man. What's happened to this club?" But many fans were swift to rally behind the Liverpool attacker.

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One supporter said: "It doesn't matter who's shirt they ask for, get a grip," while another added: "Brother let it rest, it's just mutual respect."

Victory for Liverpool would have secured their place in the Champions League next season, and Slot was visibly frustrated that his side failed to take anything from the match. "We weren't able to control their strengths," the Liverpool boss said after the defeat. "We were aware that they had strengths, two of them are set-pieces and the counterattack.

"The first goal we concede is a set-piece and the second one you have to know where to lose the ball against United, who are really strong and aggressive in a low block and you play the ball into the middle where is Casemiro and Mainoo and their centre-backs.

"If you lose it they have so many fast players, and Bruno Fernandes to hurt you in transition. That is exactly what happened. We were 2-0 down and came back in the second half to 2-2, but as always we were to switch off in one moment and conceded the goal.

"We had a lot of ball possession," he added. "One of their strengths is also defending in a low block and [launching] a counter attack.

"That's why in the second half I tried to play a bit more on both sides with the wingers. We went, in the first half, a little bit too much for the middle and they counter you."