Man United’s Well-Earned Draw at Liverpool Gives Amorim Hope

LIVERPOOL, England — Amad Diallo scored a dramatic late equalizer to end Manchester United’s three-game losing streak, securing a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday. This result interrupted Liverpool’s march toward the Premier League title.

After taking the lead through Lisandro Martínez early in the second half, Liverpool responded with a Cody Gakpo equalizer and a Mohamed Salah penalty, which seemed to put the home side in control. However, United winger Amad leveled the game again in the 80th minute, finishing Alejandro Garnacho’s cross from 10 yards out.

Despite the harsh conditions — including heavy snow which almost led to the game’s postponement — United nearly snatched a late win when Harry Maguire blazed a close-range shot over the bar in the seventh minute of stoppage time. In the end, Liverpool held on to claim a point that extended their lead at the top of the table to six points over Arsenal. — Mark Ogden

United’s Best Showing Under Amorim Offers Hope for the Future

Manchester United were just a Maguire shin away from pulling off a dramatic 3-2 win at Anfield, but despite the disappointment of missing out on victory, this was a morale-boosting performance for manager Ruben Amorim. A win would have marked United’s first at Anfield since 2016, but even with the draw, Amorim has reason for optimism moving forward.

Amorim had been vocal about his team’s struggles, even suggesting that they could face relegation after a poor start to the season. However, United’s resilience against Liverpool, arguably the best team in the league, was impressive. While there are still evident issues — most notably a lack of clinical finishing — Amorim can take heart from his team’s overall performance.

The partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in midfield was encouraging, while wing-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui were crucial in the final result. The collective spirit and fighting attitude displayed by the team will give Amorim something to build on in the upcoming fixtures.

This draw may serve as a benchmark for United under Amorim, offering them a solid foundation to measure their progress. — Ogden

Liverpool’s Lack of Control a Cause for Concern?

One of the key traits of Liverpool’s play under new manager Arne Slot has been their desire for control. Unlike Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity style, Slot favors a more measured, possession-based approach. However, against United, Liverpool frequently lost control, with their sloppy giveaways allowing United to create high-value chances.

Liverpool had been expected to continue their dominant form after winning each of their last six Premier League matches, but United frustrated them while still posing a threat going forward. Liverpool never truly asserted dominance, and United capitalized on their defensive lapses.

The game was certainly an entertaining spectacle for neutral fans, but for Slot, the failure to maintain possession and keep United at bay will be a concern. A poor pass from Andy Robertson in the 95th minute symbolized the erratic performance from the home side. — Beth Lindop

Alexander-Arnold Becoming Liverpool’s Weak Link?

Despite all the attention surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid in the summer, this match highlighted the defender’s growing vulnerability.

At 26 years old and out of contract at the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield is uncertain. His defensive performances, especially in this game, raise doubts. Diogo Dalot exposed him repeatedly, beating him in foot races and playing a key role in both of United’s goals.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was seen reprimanding Alexander-Arnold for his lapses in concentration, but despite this, United continued to exploit his position. With Conor Bradley now fit, Alexander-Arnold’s position could come under threat. Slot may soon need to make a change, and with Real Madrid reportedly still interested, Liverpool might find it hard to hold onto their right-back. — Ogden

Gakpo Becoming Liverpool’s Man for the Big Occasion

After a slow start to his Liverpool career, Cody Gakpo is now emerging as a player for the big occasions. His goal against United was his 12th of the season, adding to notable strikes against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Once criticized for his lack of pace and consistency, Gakpo has found his rhythm under Slot. The 25-year-old has been deployed in his preferred left-wing role, a move that has revitalized his form. He’s becoming increasingly important for Liverpool in high-stakes games. — Lindop

Højlund’s Quality Doesn’t Match His Work Rate

Despite the promise shown by Rasmus Højlund, his lack of finishing ability remains a concern for United. The 21-year-old has only scored two Premier League goals this season, and against Liverpool, he missed a golden opportunity in the first half when clean through on goal.

Højlund’s side-footed shot directly at Alisson Becker was a weak attempt and highlighted his struggles in front of goal. United are clearly lacking a clinical striker, with Zirkzee, Højlund, and Amad all under 23 years old and shouldering the team’s scoring responsibilities.

Bruno Fernandes and the absent Marcus Rashford, who is recovering from illness, are United’s top scorers with just four goals each. The team’s inability to find a consistent goalscorer could be a significant issue moving forward.

Højlund is still developing, but whether he can evolve into a 20-goal-a-season striker remains uncertain. The same goes for Zirkzee, who should have taken a shot rather than passing to Maguire in the dying moments. Both players showed a lack of confidence, which further underscores United’s need for a proven goal-scorer.

United’s search for a clinical finisher continues.