Five things learned as Manchester United draw 2-2 with Liverpool

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Manchester United put in a much-improved performance to take a point against arch-rivals Liverpool.

Many Manchester United fans waking up on Sunday morning had their fingers crossed that their trip to Liverpool would be suspended due to weather.

However, the snow was cleared and supporters expecting a one-sided thumping on Merseyside were pleasantly surprised by a confident performance from Ruben Amorim’s side.

Lisandro Martinez gave United the lead in the second half before Liverpool fired back through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.

However, Amad Diallo continued his brilliant run of form by drawing United level late on.

Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are key

United’s midfield was torn apart by Newcastle United last time out with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen slammed by fans.

There was a huge imbalance and a lack of energy and intensity in the middle, but Amorim solved that problem by reintroducing Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to his starting lineup at Anfield.

Not only did United immediately appear more defensively solid, but they were able to take control of possession and looked much more structured.

Amorim has found his long-term midfield partnership.

Time on the training ground

Since arriving at Carrington in mid-November, Amorim has hardly had any time to train his players at Carrington.

The six-day gap between the Newcastle defeat and the trip to Anfield is the longest break United have had between matches under Amorim, and the work on the training pitch is certainly paying off.

Amorim said United trained the “basics” in the lead-up to the Liverpool clash – there is more to come, he simply needs time to get his ideas across.

Harry Maguire responds to contract extension

Earlier this week, United triggered Harry Maguire’s contract extension, meaning his deal is now valid until 2026.

The 31-year-old has been impressive under Amorim and Harry Maguire made his fifth successive Premier League start when he was named in the starting lineup against Liverpool.

Maguire starred again in the heart of United’s defence, and Amorim will be very pleased that he is staying put at Old Trafford for at least another year.

The only stain on his performance – and it was a big one – is that miss in the dying moments…

Lisandro Martinez redemption

Lisandro Martinez let Amorim down against Newcastle after being handed the captain’s armband but United’s ‘butcher’ was back to his best here.

It has been a really difficult season so far for the 26-year-old but he put in his best performance in a United shirt so far.

Not only did he open the scoring with a confident finish, but he was incredibly reliable at the back and helped handle an in-form Mohamed Salah on United’s left.

Matthijs de Ligt must improve

United controlled most of the match against Liverpool but two clumsy moments from Matthijs de Ligt proved extremely costly.

For the first goal, the Dutch defender jumped into a challenge and allowed Gakpo a free shot on goal.

He then conceded a penalty for handball which was converted by Salah. With Leny Yoro knocking on the door for a starting spot, De Ligt needs to improve.