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Manchester United delivered a much-improved performance to claim a hard-fought point against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield. After a week of snowstorms, many United fans had hoped the match would be postponed, fearing another disappointing outing. However, the weather cleared, and Ruben Amorim’s side rose to the occasion. Goals from Lisandro Martinez, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and a late equaliser from Amad Diallo ensured a pulsating 2-2 draw. Here are four key takeaways from a spirited United performance.
Ruben Amorim’s arrival in mid-November left little time for tactical refinement, with United facing a relentless fixture schedule. The six-day gap following their loss to Newcastle was the longest break under the Portuguese manager, allowing him to focus on fundamental improvements. The result at Anfield demonstrated that these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Amorim himself admitted after the match that the team had only worked on the basics during this period, suggesting even greater potential for growth. His frustration at the team’s inconsistency—showing fight against Liverpool but faltering in December’s easier fixtures—underscores the need for the squad to replicate this level more regularly.
Earlier this week, United activated a contract extension for Harry Maguire, tying the defender to the club until 2026. Against Liverpool, Maguire justified this decision with another solid performance at the heart of the defence, his fifth consecutive Premier League start under Amorim. Maguire’s composure and leadership were evident throughout the match. However, his performance wasn’t flawless—his glaring miss in the dying moments could have snatched a dramatic winner for United. Despite this, Amorim will be encouraged by the 31-year-old’s resurgence as a key figure in his plans.
United’s midfield woes were glaring in their defeat to Newcastle, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggling to provide energy or defensive cover. Amorim addressed these issues at Anfield by reintroducing Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to the starting lineup. The impact was immediate. United’s midfield displayed a much-needed balance, offering defensive solidity while also enabling the team to control possession more effectively. The structured and energetic performance was a stark contrast to their recent struggles, showing how vital Mainoo and Ugarte could be moving forward.
While United’s overall performance was encouraging, Matthijs de Ligt’s mistakes proved costly. The Dutch defender’s rash challenge gifted Cody Gakpo the space to equalise for Liverpool. Later, his handball led to a penalty, coolly converted by Mohamed Salah. These lapses overshadowed an otherwise solid defensive display from United. With promising talent Leny Yoro pushing for a starting role, De Ligt must eliminate such errors to maintain his place in the lineup.
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