Manchester United delivered a strong performance to secure a point in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
After ending 2024 on a low note with a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, United needed a positive start to 2025, and Ruben Amorim’s trip to Anfield seemed challenging.
However, Amorim’s preparation paid off as United put in an impressive display against Liverpool. ..Continue Reading
Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for United, but Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah turned the game in Liverpool’s favor. United responded with Amad Diallo’s equalizer, resulting in a 2-2 draw as they returned to Manchester.
Many had predicted a comfortable Liverpool win, given their title chase, while United had been struggling under Amorim recently.
Nevertheless, United’s performance was much improved, with Rio Ferdinand praising their effort and United fans applauding Bruno Fernandes.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot shared his thoughts with BBC Sport, acknowledging his team’s strong start.
However, Slot noted that United’s defensive strategy, with nine players behind the ball and just two counter-attacking threats—Rasmus Hojlund and goal-scorer Amad Diallo—made it challenging for Liverpool to break through.
“We started really well, had three open chances in the game and then there was a period of time which was more difficult for us,” said Slot.
“It is difficult if you play quality players that are playing in a low block with only [Rasmus] Hojlund and [Amad] Diallo as attackers. It’s not always easy to find the gaps and that’s what happened. Then being 1-0 down makes it even more difficult but I was very happy with the mentality we showed afterwards going 2-1 up,” he added.
Slot firmly dismissed claims that Liverpool underestimated United and took the game lightly.
In his interview with BBC Sport, Slot explained that goalkeeper Andre Onana was playing long balls early in the match, compelling Liverpool to handle aerial challenges.
Despite Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk’s strength in dealing with such situations, it still posed a tricky issue for the defense.
Slot observed that United began to play with more composure and skill on the ground as the game progressed, showcasing their quality with the ball.
