Martinez fires Man Utd into lead at Liverpool
Gakpo cuts in to level for Liverpool soon after before Salah penalty
Diallo slots in equaliser for the visitors
Hosts will move eight points clear with game in hand with win
Man Utd just six points off drop zone
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FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
What a day of football it has been. That's all for today, with more Premier League action tomorrow as Wolves entertain Nottingham Forest.
Thanks as always for sharing the afternoon with us. From myself and all the team, thanks, goodbye and see you soon.
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield
Manchester United demonstrated the spirit that has been missing under new manager Ruben Amorim to earn a superb point at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
United, attempting to avoid four straight league defeats for the first time since 1979, took a shock lead when Lisandro Martinez powered a finish high past Alisson after 52 minutes.
Liverpool were level seven minutes later when Cody Gakpo scored with a superb angled drive before all United's good work looked to be in vain.
Mohamed Salah equalled Thierry Henry's tally of 175 Premier League goals from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left after handball was awarded against at Matthijs de Ligt following a video assistant referee intervention.
United were not to be denied, however, and Amad Diallo scored another big goal after his winner at Manchester City when he turned home Alejandro Garnacho's cut-back.
Harry Maguire could have won the game for United with almost the final kick but he blazed Joshua Zirkzee's bobbled pass over the bar from 12 yards.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor. It couldn't have gone much worse for him. I expected him to put in a big performance, I thought United's system would play into his hands and he would have space to get his head up.
He was poor defensively but we have seen that before. Today there was nothing going forward. He wasn't involved with the ball really.
Only he knows if the talk with Real Madrid has affected him.
It wasn't until Liverpool went behind that I felt like I was in Anfield watching Liverpool versus Manchester United.
I think subconsciously a little bit the players and everyone around Liverpool got carried away with how poor United were in their game [v Newcastle] on Monday.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Roy Keane
Former Manchester United captain on Sky Sports
If Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold don't agree a contract and he leaves then given the amount of games he has played for the club, well over 300, titles he has won, why not show some class and say "all the best to you."
It's not like he is walking out after two years. He is a local lad yes but he has given great service.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Gary Neville
Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports
The bid from Real Madrid was bad timing for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
If you've got that going into a big game, and him being a local lad too, that won't be easy having the distraction of all that noise. I think that will have unnerved him.
You can imagine his agent, his family asking what is happening, all of that noise going on in his head. It will not have helped.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We are not pleased with a point. We can't say that it is not a good point because it is but we cannot be pleased with a point. We came here to win the game.
"We probably had the biggest chance at the end of the game. I think overall the performance was good for the team. The frustrating thing is that we can't understand why we can't do this week in, week out. We need to look forward, get the positives from this and go forward thinking that this has to be our level, this has to be our standard. You can win, you can lose, you can draw like today but this has to be our level.
"Results are the most important things in football, at the end of the game, everyone wants to win. I'm really pleased with everyone today, the work rate, the quality on the ball, the personality to get on the ball to try to do things was really good. This is what we have to look forward to do more and more.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
At left back Andy Robertson, an absolute legend, is hanging on in every game now and I don't think Kostas Tsimikas is quite the standard to come in and replace him.
Liverpool need to sign a full back in January for me.
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After all is said and done, real bad performance from Liverpool. Man United completely deserve their point and we need to improve significantly if we are to progress in this season.
Max
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports, says he was happy with the performance but furious they had not played at the same level in all their matches.
He said: "The expectations [of the media] were so much different to what we saw. I get more mad because of the other games so it's even harder to understand some things. It's not about a system, the technique, it's about something else and it's hard to understand for the coach.
"It's a point and I think we should get mad and disappointed more than what we did against Newcastle. We need to be really disappointed and I have to calm down and say the right things. We're in a difficult moment. If we play against Liverpool every day we will do that but we have to do it against any opponent. We need to fight really bad to get out of this situation.
"The way we were really competitive, that's the crucial thing going forwards. I'm happy for the performance, not happy with the result but am really, really mad with the other games."
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
The big worry for me now is Liverpool are starting to concede goals.
Liverpool are the best team in this league and have a lot more goals and attacking talent than Arsenal. But watching that game the thing that will give you a lift is that you saw Liverpool concede goals and chances.
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United 13th after their best performance all season, Liverpool on top by 6 points, with a game in hand, with our worst performance all season. Let's not get carried away here!!
Harper
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Gary Neville
Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports
This was the best Manchester United performance under Ruben Amorim, perhaps all season, by a mile. It surpasses the victory at Manchester City a few weeks ago.
To come to Anfield and play the best team in the league this season and the way they played. They were a little unfortunate not to get the victory in the end. Today they were magnificent from minute one.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Today we showed the right character. We believed until the end. We should've won the game, we couldn't, but we tried.
"We have to take the positives. We were a different team than a few games ago, we played a really good game. We have to believe more in what we can do."
On how the performance improved so much from recent games: "We changed out mindset. The belief, the confidence and I saw everyone secure today. With confidence in every duel, with the pass, defending. We really enjoyed the game today.
"If you saw the last few games, it was poor. It's true and we accept that. Today we played really well and we have to believe. Football really is mental."
On the United back three: "We played with freedom today, playing without feelings and when you play like that, you can enjoy football. I am really happy with the performance."
On the tactics: "For sure, we did our tactics. But today we thought more about our skills, our team, our best things. We have top players here, who can play with the ball. But a few games ago, when we had the ball, we were stressed."
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has 18 goals and 13 assists in 19 Premier League games this season, the most goal involvements ever by a player in their first 19 appearances of a campaign in the competition, overtaking Luis Suárez's 30 in 2013-14 (23 goals, seven assists).
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
More from Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to Match of the Day.
On if he underestimated Manchester United: "No, I don't think that has anything to do with it. It's just them going into a low block playing here.
"They have quality with the ball and without the ball, difficult to play through. It was so open when they started to play. You can see more how good they are if they are trying to play.
"For the first 75 minutes, [Andre] Onana played the ball long and every free-kick they got, they just hit it forward. In the last 15 minutes, you could see if they play over the ground, how good they are."
On whether he is grateful to take a point: "People forget all the chances we had. They had the open chance from [Harry] Maguire. We had much more chances than them but in the end we could have definitely lost it with the Maguire chance."
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Liverpool are still in the strongest position. No team will have a clean finish. Arsenal have tough games coming up and will drop more points.
Tim in Kerry, Ireland
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "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.
"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."
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Roy Keane
Former Manchester United captain on Sky Sports
I think Liverpool need to be upbeat about it. They played OK today and had some good chances, and nearly lost it at the end.
When you are trying to win league titles you are going to have your disappointments. You have days where you turn up expecting to win and it doesn't happen.
Arsenal dropped points, Chelsea dropped points, look where Man City are. They key is that they got something out of the game.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is asked on Sky Sports about Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance and replied: "Trent has played mostly very good games for the club. Today was not his best game but that had to do with them as well.
"Sometimes Ryan [Gravenberch] was not close enough to him so it was a two-on-one situation. I would put it more on the quality of [Diogo] Dalot and Bruno Fernandes."
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United
Chris Sutton
Former Celtic striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
Where has this pile-on for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] come from? Trent has been brilliant in a Liverpool jersey and all of a sudden, you want him out the door. Blimey.
Image source, ReutersHow 'impressive' Man Utd caused Liverpool's right-hand side problems
Manchester United demonstrated the spirit that has been missing under new manager Ruben Amorim to earn a superb point at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
United, attempting to avoid four straight league defeats for the first time since 1979, took a shock lead when Lisandro Martinez powered a finish high past Alisson after 52 minutes.
Liverpool were level seven minutes later when Cody Gakpo scored with a superb angled drive before all United's good work looked to be in vain.
Mohamed Salah equalled Thierry Henry's tally of 175 Premier League goals from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left after handball was awarded against at Matthijs de Ligt following a video assistant referee intervention.
United were not to be denied, however, and Amad Diallo scored another big goal after his winner at Manchester City when he turned home Alejandro Garnacho's cut-back.
Harry Maguire could have won the game for United with almost the final kick but he blazed Joshua Zirkzee's bobbled pass over the bar from 12 yards.
Man Utd controlled tempo of game - Amorim
United arrived at Anfield in a Merseyside blizzard - with most fearing they were walking into a Liverpool hurricane.
Instead, United were resilient, determined and only that shocking last-ditch miss by Maguire denied them a win that would have topped even their triumph in the Manchester derby.
United stood up to the challenge presented by a Liverpool side threatening to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points, a sign of their improvement shown by the fact they will be disappointed not to claim all three points.
This was easily their best performance under Portuguese manager Amorim, who also deserves credit for stiffening United's midfield with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, who worked well alongside the promptings of captain Bruno Fernandes.
It looked like they would suffer the agony of defeat when Salah put Liverpool in front but United's response was outstanding, not only getting that equaliser but looking just as likely as the league leaders to snatch a late winner.
United and Amorim have come under heavy and justified criticism in recent weeks, but both manager and players can take huge heart and confidence from this display.
Slot admits Alexander-Arnold 'not at best' against 'outstanding' Fernandes
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in the headlines this week as Real Madrid made an audacious bid to take him to the Bernabeu in January.
Liverpool rejected the move out of hand as speculation continues to surround the England defender about an end-of-season free transfer to La Liga.
Head coach Arne Slot was at pains to insist Alexander-Arnold has not been affected by the talk, but his cause was not helped by his hapless display against United.
The visitors preyed on Alexander-Arnold's defensive weakness throughout, launching regular raids down Liverpool's right flank, while his usual strong point of passing was also horribly wayward.
It was a poor pass by Alexander-Arnold that led to Martinez's opener while Diallo's equaliser originated on his flank.
Alexander-Arnold was shown a yellow card three minutes after Diallo's goal and it was almost a merciful release when he was replaced by Conor Bradley shortly after.
Liverpool were never at their best against this hugely improved United and were grateful for Maguire's late miss that spared them only their second league loss this season.
Slot's team are still in a commanding position, six points clear at the top with a game in hand on Arsenal, but this was not a Liverpool at their barnstorming best.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 47 | 19 | 28 | 46 |
| |
| 2 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 39 | 18 | 21 | 40 |
| |
| 3 | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 19 | 7 | 37 |
| |
| 4 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 36 |
| |
| 5 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 22 | 12 | 35 |
| |
| 6 | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 36 | 27 | 9 | 34 |
| |
| 7 | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 23 | 7 | 33 |
| |
| 8 | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 32 |
| |
| 9 | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 30 | 27 | 3 | 30 |
| |
| 10 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 30 | 29 | 1 | 28 |
| |
| 11 | 20 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 38 | 35 | 3 | 27 |
| |
| 12 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 42 | 30 | 12 | 24 |
| |
| 13 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 23 |
| |
| 14 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 24 | 39 | -15 | 23 |
| |
| 15 | 20 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 21 | 28 | -7 | 21 |
| |
| 16 | 19 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 15 | 25 | -10 | 17 |
| |
| 17 | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 16 |
| |
| 18 | 20 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 | 35 | -15 | 16 |
| |
| 19 | 20 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 23 | 44 | -21 | 14 |
| |
| 20 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 12 | 44 | -32 | 6 |
|
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Ruben Amorim
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Ruben Amorim
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Manchester United (W7 D5), going down 2-1 at Old Trafford in August 2022.
Manchester United haven’t won any of their last eight league away games against Liverpool (D4 L4), their longest such run since a run of nine between 1970 and 1979.
Manchester United have scored just one goal in their last eight Premier League away games against Liverpool, failing to score in each of the last five. Only at Everton have they had a longer run without scoring in their league history (6 between 1969 and 1974).
This is the first time Liverpool and Manchester United are facing each other in their first league match of a calendar year since 1989, when the Red Devils won 3-1 at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool beat Newcastle 4-2 in their first league match of 2024 – the last time they won their opening league game in consecutive calendar years was in 2013/2014.
Liverpool have won their last three Premier League matches, scoring 3+ goals in each victory with 14 goals in total. They last had a longer winning run while scoring three or more goals in each win in February/March 2014 (six in a row).
Manchester United have lost their last three Premier League games. They haven’t lost four league games in a row in the same season since between December and February 1979, while they last suffered four defeats in a row without scoring back in April 1909.
Following their 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, Arne Slot could become just the second Liverpool manager to do the league double over Manchester United in his first season with the club, after George Kay in 1936-37.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has both scored more goals (12) and provided more assists (6) against Manchester United than any other player in Premier League history.
Mohamed Salah has been involved in 30 Premier League goals this season for Liverpool (17 goals, 13 assists), scoring and assisting in eight different games, already the most by a player in a single campaign ever. It is the fifth time he has 30+ goal involvements in a season (also 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22 and 2022-23), the joint most of any player in Premier League history along with Alan Shearer.
