Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised the 'genius' of midfielder Philippe Coutinho as the difference in the Reds' 3-1 aggregate win over Manchester United in the Europa League Thursday.

Liverpool held a 2-0 advantage from the first leg of the tie at Anfield, but United managed to find their way back into the contest courtesy of a penalty from Anthony Martial in the 32nd minute of the return fixture.

However, Coutinho's superb strike on the stroke of half-time but the contest out of reach for the Red Devils and ensured the Merseyside club progressed through to the quarterfinals.

"We knew they would show a reaction and it was much more intensive from Manchester United than in the first game," Klopp told his post-match press conference.

"We had a little problem in the first half with second balls – they won too many second balls. Usually it's a 50/50 situation, but in the first half I think it was 70/30 for United.

"But when we got the ball and used the time we had – because we had a lot more time than we felt in these moments – when we played football and came through it, we had brilliant moments.

"We created wonderful chances, big chances, but De Gea had another good night in his successful career.

"They got the penalty – I think it was a penalty – then Phil had a genius moment. Wonderful. I loved these two minutes before half-time because twice we reacted quicker than the opponent.

"There was the discussion for the free-kick, Hendo played the ball, had a counter-attack but missed the last pass, like we did in the second half a little bit more often. We had to run back but were again quicker in mind.

"Then Phil used the situation – it was a brilliant moment and decided the game tonight."