Arne Slot compared Plymouth's tactics in Liverpool's FA Cup loss at Home Park to the ones employed by Manchester United during January's 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield.

The Reds' hopes of an unlikely quadruple were dashed on Sunday as a much-changed side was beaten 1-0 on the South Coast, with Ryan Hardie scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.

Liverpool fielded a number of youngsters but still had several experienced players on the pitch, particularly in the front three as Diogo Jota was flanked by Federico Chiesa and Luis Diaz.

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Slot admitted Liverpool found it difficult to deal with Plymouth's "constant long balls" — something he said was also a problem against United last month.

"You never know what would happen if we played with our starters," Slot said in his post-match press conference. "We have seen a few times this season that it is a game plan that is difficult for our starters but also for the ones that played today.

"Constant long ball, second ball, long ball, second ball. It’s difficult for every team. We had this at home to United as well for example they had a similar playing style going to a very low block and kicking every ball long. And then [that day] we played with our starters.

"So I think today we show why we played with those ones who played today because these players need game rhythm as well to be ready in the upcoming months. You saw today some of these players really need games like this to be ready for the last three months of the season."