Manchester United defied the pre-game predictions to pull a proper performance out of the bag, securing a well-deserved 2-2 draw at Anfield vs Liverpool.
United brushed aside all the pre-game doom predictions to start well and go toe-to-toe with Liverpool as Anfield was quietened.
United had arguably the best chance of the first half with Amad and Hojlund but missed both, while Onana was asked to intervene for MacAllister’s shot.
Both teams went in level after the first 45 and United were in dreamland in the second half after unlikely scorer Lisandro Martinez.
Liverpool came back soon after through Gakpo and retook the lead after a nightmare 15 minutes for Matthijs de Ligt.
Just when it looked like United would emerge as “moral victors” due to their performance, they hit back as Garnacho crossed for Amad to sucker punch Liverpool again.
United kept threatening and it was far from a smash-and-grab as both teams threw punches at each other which canceled out and the game finished 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 7
Called upon once in the first half to save from MacAllister and he made himself big to keep United level. Couldn’t do much for either goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Extremely strong and assertive in defence but shaky in the second as he was sent skating by Gakpo for Liverpool’s equaliser then handled the ball for their lead.
Harry Maguire – 7.5
Similar to De Ligt with his front-foot defending. Less adventurous on the ball but did his defensive job perfectly.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Found himself advanced on the odd occasion to leave Liverpool in space on transitions but looked better as the game went on.
Noussair Mazraoui – 8
Silky and confident in possession. Was crucial to breaking the Liverpool press as his composure on the ball made all the difference.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had the toughest assignment on the field which was made tougher as he got booked in the first half after being rolled by Salah. Did his best.
Manuel Ugarte – 8
The difference he makes to this team is clear as day after his return since missing the previous game. Broke up play, showed underrated dribbling through the center, and was the heartbeat of the team. An example of what will happen once Ruben Amorim has his 11 players.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7.5
Had some unforced errors in possession but would rather have that while trying to play forward than be cautious and put his team under pressure. Rose to the occasion.
Amad – 7.5
Fluffed a great chance by overrunning Dalot’s cross in the first half but his Liverpool killer came alive in the second, finishing well from Garnacho’s cross to draw United level again.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Worked his socks off to plug gaps while pressing high and played some nice passes to keep possession instead of making it a basketball game as he’s prone to doing. Assisted Martinez with a great slide-rule pass.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Too busy wrestling with the defenders and missed the one big chance he had in the first half.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Didn’t start well after coming on but all was forgotten after he crossed for Amad for United’s late equaliser.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Not much impact after coming late on.
Leny Yoro – 7
A brilliant last-ditch tackle on Nunez in injury time that would have been a surefire goal otherwise. A star in the making.
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