Manchester United looked encouraged by drawing 2-2 with arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield, starting their new year with a well-deserved point in the Premier League.
Despite heavy snowfall overnight officials showed the big match would go ahead, some United fans would have expected a postponement given the team’s shocking form.
But from the kick-off, Rubén Amorim’s team looked much better, with a wonderful defensive field that stifled Liverpool’s frenetic attack in the first half.
Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring soon after the break with a thunderous effort from close-range that went in via the underside of the crossbar.
Their celebrations were short-lived however, as Cody Gakpo scored an equally awesome equaliser and soon the momentum was all with Arne Slot’s men.
Mohamed Salah had the chance to put the Reds ahead when a handball by Matthijs de Ligt resulted in a penalty after a VAR check. The Egyptian king made no mistake from the penalty spot and continued his streak against the Red Devils.
The three points seemed destined to go to the home side only for Amad Diallo to score a well-worked equaliser with just 10 minutes to go.
There were chances to win it for both sides late on, with Harry Maguire skying an effort from just a few yards out in the final seconds of injury-time.
Relive everything from Anfield below:
And breath… A thrilling second-half at Anfield sees the points shared between the Reds and the Red Devils.
That’s all we have time for today, Metro will continue to bring you the latest and greatest reactions to the match.
This is how the Manchester United legends reacted to goalkeeper Harry Maguire’s failure.
Until next time, goodbye!
Liverpool increased their lead in the most sensitive area of the table, but everyone expected a victory.
Reds legend and Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher says: ‘It will feel like an opportunity lost for Liverpool.
‘They will have seen Arsenal’s result last night and expected to come into this game and win.
‘There was too much of a feeling coming into the game that Liverpool would whack Manchester United aside. People were talking about how many goals they were going to score. But it wasn’t to be.’
This is the reaction of Manchester United captain and player Bruno Fernandes, who spoke to Sky Sports: “Obviously we have been criticised, and rightly so, because the position in the table says it all.
‘We’ve lost too many points. Even today, we can’t be happy with the draw, because we need points more than they need.
“It is a very intelligent and fair result, both groups played intelligent and intense football.
“I’m disappointed because we can show it against Liverpool at Anfield, the best team in the league, the great team in the Premier League this season, why can’t we do it every week?
Liverpool take a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are thirteenth, level with West Ham. Seven points above the relegation zone, but thirteen of the best four.
And that’s the last shot of the game!
An exciting montage that no one saw coming. United may have won or perhaps deserved to have won, but it’s a very clever point.
Given their performance, Liverpool will take a point. They weren’t wonderful, but they were far from their best.
Maguire won it!
The free kick is rejected, but United have the ball and Zirkzee passes! It makes it 4 for Maguire. . . but he exploded his shot from close range!
There are a few seconds left and Amad receives a loose shot on the edge of the area after a foul on Robertson. . .
Salah darts into the box but his shot is deflected for a corner… cleared away.
Both sides can sense a winner. This has been one of the best games – or at least second-halfs – of the season
SEVEN minutes added. The tension is unbearable.
From start to finish! Intelligent play by Fernandes who receives the ball from a corner and shoots at Alisson and the goalkeeper knocks the ball down.
Liverpool then run towards the goal and win a corner. Van Dijk’s header is saved on the line thanks to Onana!
Trent’s crisis elegance is over when Conor Bradley replaces him. Scorer Gakpo also replaces Harvey Elliot.
For United, Joshua Zirkzee is Hojlund.
The goal fell on the side of Alexander-Arnold. He put in one of his worst performances in recent times and is now in Fernandes’ training book.
Meanwhile, Yoro replaces De Ligt.
WHAT A GAME!!
It’s all Liverpool since Gakpo’s equaliser, but United are not shutting up that night. They went down the left flank and Garnaacho crossed low into the area.
Miss everyone before you track down Amad who shoots Alisson!
Liverpool’s first yellow card will be for Núñez for breaking into De Ligt. This is absolutely true and he is now suspended for the next match.
The loose shot resulting from the foul is executed through Salah just outside the box. It’s a decent effort even over the crossbar.
Now United are shocked. Maguire is in the e-book for a foul on Salah despite winning the ball back first.
United aren’t happy and Salah has to break up a scrap between the players.
There are about 20 minutes left. Amorim makes his first substitution as Mainoo, who played well, is replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.
LIVERPOOL LEAD!!!
Did you never doubt? Well, Onana went in the right direction and hit the nail on the head, but there was too much force on the penalty.
Mo Salah haunts Man Utd yet again.
Penalty given! United can’t have too many complaints about that. Salah steps up to the spot…