Manchester United faced Liverpool in the 20th round of the Premier League at Anfield and managed to secure a 2-2 draw against the league leaders. The result marked a brave performance by Ruben Amorim’s team, who came into the match after four consecutive losses—a streak not seen since 1961.
With the return of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, United played with intelligence and patience. Fernandes, in particular, reminded everyone of his importance, controlling the game with decisive passes and creating the most chances. Amorim’s tactics showed his ability to adapt and plan against a strong opponent, giving the team a foundation to build upon.
Amorim’s Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Amorim corrected his mistakes from the Newcastle match, where he started the aging duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield. Against Liverpool, he opted for Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, who brought energy and cohesion. Mainoo provided clever passing and dribbling, while Ugarte helped neutralize Liverpool’s midfield. This pairing allowed United to compete better, unlike in the Newcastle game, where the team struggled against a three-man midfield.
United exploited Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive struggles, scoring twice from his side. They also targeted Liverpool’s high defensive line with direct balls, forcing Virgil van Dijk into uncomfortable situations.
Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire both came close to scoring. Hojlund missed a one-on-one with Alisson, while Maguire failed to capitalize on an open goal in the final moments of the game.
Amad Diallo Shines Again
Amad Diallo played a key role in United’s equalizer, just as he did during the Manchester derby against City last year. He became only the third United player to score away against both Liverpool and Manchester City in the same Premier League season, joining Wayne Rooney (2004-05) and Robin van Persie (2012-13).
Lisandro Martinez Leads from the Back
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez stood out with an excellent performance. He scored United’s first goal and created a chance for Hojlund, while also controlling his flank effectively. Martinez’s display marked a strong response to his recent struggles, helping United secure an important point at Anfield.
