6 talking points as Amad rescues Man Utd, Trent Alexander-Arnold struggles for Liverpool

6 talking points as Amad rescues Man Utd, Trent Alexander-Arnold struggles for Liverpool

Ruben Amorim’s side recorded a surprise draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool after goals from Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo earned a positive result at Anfield

Amad Diallo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal

Amad Diallo of Manchester United
Ruben Amorim guided his Manchester United side to an impressive 2-2 draw against Liverpool, thanks to Amad Diallo’s late heroics to earn a point.

Few would have suspected the sides would go into half-time goalless such was the 23-point gap between the sides. Amidst the pouring rain, United proved themselves to be competitive in the opening 45 minutes and did not simply have to weather a Liverpool storm.

Lisandro Martinez soon ensured more grey clouds gathered over Anfield. The defender found himself in the box and quickly lashed the ball past Alisson Becker to open the scoring after 52 minutes.

Liverpool showed some life in return through Alexis Mac Allister, who slot the ball to Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international cut onto his right foot to fire in an equaliser just five minutes later.

Out with the old, in with the new
Ruben Amorim left everyone scratching their heads when he started Casemiro and Christian Eriksen against Newcasle. Joshua Zirkzee was substituted and caught the ire of supporters, but United’s ageing midfield against an industrious outfit was a recipe for disaster.

So, against Liverpool’s impressive midfield it was no surprise to see a different selection. United denied the Reds the space they allowed Newcastle in the opening half and while Kobbie Mainoo may have been left to faceplant into the snow on one occasion, they were in the battle.

The 19-year-old combined well with Manuel Ugarte to find pockets of space and interchange passes and was a real engine in the centre of the field and beyond. This is a midfield the club would have expected to build in the summer and will feel encouraged to do so now.

Arne Slot right again?
“They have much better players, in my opinion, than maybe the league table shows at the moment,” Slot said before Sunday’s meeeting. “It’s maybe going to take a while for Ruben Amorim to bring this out of the players, I don’t know, but they will definitely go up and they are much better than the league shows at the moment.”

That would be more convincing if the season wasn’t halfway done. Win, lose or draw, United would finish the day in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Roy Keane had a different view to Slot. “It is one of the worst looking teams I have seen in a long, long time,” he said ahead of the game.

What unfolded was a performance that appeared impossible for anyone watching United just days ago. Slot maybe knew something the rest of us doubted.

‘Miracle’ goal
Lisandro Martinez showed plenty of front-foot aggression to drive up the pitch and win the ball, before Bruno Fernandes soon found him in the Liverpool area. There was little in the way of hesitation from Martinez who lashed the ball into the net with his left foot to do the unthinkable.

Lisandro Martinez fired United into the lead

United had not scored in their last five visits to Anfield, but it is what the sides have shown in the Premier League that saw Gary Neville declare the situation a ‘miracle. The lead may not have lasted long, but United showed an intent they’ve often lacked to spark hope for life under Amorim.

United’s striker question
When Rasmus Hojlund found space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold just before the break, the Danish striker had a chance to silence Anfield. The forward’s run was timed well and despite a narrowing angle, Hojlund appeared to be on the verge of launching United’s 2025 with vigor.

United’s striker question
When Rasmus Hojlund found space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold just before the break, the Danish striker had a chance to silence Anfield. The forward’s run was timed well and despite a narrowing angle, Hojlund appeared to be on the verge of launching United’s 2025 with vigor.

Unforunately, the 21-year-old lacked the guile to send the ball past Alisson Becker and instead hit it straight at the opposition goalkeeper. To challenge at the top, such challenges may need to be finished.

Tough day for Trent
Despite having three of his key stars entering the final six months of their contracts, there has been little drama for Slot to deal with so far this season. Amidst uncertainty, the team have delivered results and with Salah’s contract situation played out most publically, the Egyptian has enjoyed an unparalleled start.