Liverpool vs Manchester United: Player Ratings as Manchester United registers a 2-2 draw at Anfield

It was a Sunday to remember for all the Manchester United fans, who had been battered over the last couple of weeks due to the losses that the club faced. On the other hand, Liverpool would rue the missed opportunity as they had to settle for a point in the league fixture. In an enthralling fixture between two sides and the tale of two halves, Manchester United registered a 2-2 draw against league leaders Liverpool to take home a point amidst the weather turmoil at Anfield. Here is how the game panned out for Ruben Amorim’s team: 

Manchester United put up an impressive display in the first half 

After the criticisms about conceding the early goals in the ongoing campaign, in their recent matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United, Manchester United played one of their best first half of the season. Their defensive solidity with 3-4-3 converted to a 5-4-1 with Bruno and Amad operating as No 10s and wide players when reverted to 5-4-1. Bruno put up a solid shift defensively as well to keep Liverpool at bay. 

While Liverpool broke the midfield on a few occasions, it was difficult to pass through the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, who were aggressive with their tackles. This ensured that Liverpool did not score. Manchester United missed two glorious opportunities in the first half, which could have put them in front. Manchester United kept themselves in contention for a win with a solid performance. 

Lisandro Martinez breaks the deadlock 

Both teams came all guns blazing after a poised first half at Liverpool. Manchester United had not scored at Anfield over the last seven years and when Rasmus and Amad missed the chances in the first half, it felt like it would go on for one more year. However, Lisandro Martinez ensured that he would break the drought and scored a goal after a great interplay with Bruno Fernandes in the final third. He smashed to the roof of the net to get United 1-0 up within ten minutes of the resumption of the game. 

Liverpool strikes back 

With Manchester United finding the goal, Liverpool was urged to go all guns blazing against the Old Trafford outfit, and Cody Gakpo’s darting run and de Ligt’s frailty to cover the player cost the Red Devils a goal.

Liverpool equalized just before the hour mark. More so, within the next ten minutes, they scored again through a penalty after a VAR deliberation. Michael Oliver was brought close to the screen for review after the Dutch central defender had his arms in an unnatural defense position. Though Mohamed Salah’s shot greased Onana’s hands, the Cameroonian shot-stopper could not get his hands on it completely. With the penalty goal, Salah is now at par with Theirry Henry in terms of the number of goals in the English Premier League. 

Amad comes in clutch again 

After Manchester United conceded the second goal and with only quarter of the game left, all the onus was on the attack to provide the opportunity. When the right moment came, the inciisve pass of Bruno Fernandes to Alejandro Garnacho made the difference. The Argentine youngster beat Trent Alexander Arnold on 1-v-1 to put a delicious cross into the box. On a salivating opportunity, Amad put the ball past Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to equalize it for Manchester United. 

While both the teams went for the kill, Harry Maguire had a glorious shot in the final minute of the game to snatch the winner. However, in the replay, it looked like Zirkzee would have been marginally offside, which would have made the final score 2-2 at Anfield. 

Player Ratings for Liverpool vs Manchester United:

Liverpool - Player Ratings

• Alisson – 5
• Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
• Ibrahima Konate – 7
• Virgil van Dijk – 7
• Andy Robertson – 6
• Ryan Gravenberch – 7
• Alexis Mac Allister – 8
• Curtis Jones – 6
• Mohamed Salah – 7
• Luis Diaz – 6
• Cody Gakpo – 8

Substitutes: Darwin Nunez (6), Diogo Jota (6), Conor Bradley (NA), Harvey Elliott (NA)

Manchester United - Player Ratings

• Andre Onana – 6
• Matthijs de Ligt – 6
• Harry Maguire – 7
• Lisandro Martinez – 8
• Noussair Mazraoui – 7
• Manuel Ugarte – 7
• Kobbie Mainoo – 7
• Diogo Dalot – 7
• Bruno Fernandes – 9 (Player of the Match)
• Amad Diallo – 9
• Rasmus Hojlund – 6

Substitutes: Alejandro Garnacho (7), Leny Yoro (7), Joshua Zirkzee (6)

Next Match for Manchester United: vs Arsenal, FA Cup 3rd Round, 12th January

Next Match for Liverpool: vs Tottenham Hotspur, EFL Cup Semi Final 1st Leg, 9th January