Why Manchester United’s hard-fought draw with Liverpool feels like a victory | Soccer News

After taking charge of United in November, manager Ruben Amorim warned of a storm coming. United sparked jubilation on Sunday as fans packed into Anfield to watch a match that was initially threatened to be canceled due to bad weather.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo (right) scores his team’s second goal against Liverpool during an English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, January 5, 2025. (AP Photo/John Super)

Far from the “uneasy” side that lost 2-0 at home to the Magpies, United looked more like a proper team than a collection of talented individuals. Amorim’s style of play, in which he presses with all his might, stood out even among Liverpool, who were favorites to win the championship and were able to keep their arch-rivals at bay.

Even when the hosts created chances, United did not sit back and defend, as was expected in the days of Erik ten Hag. Fernandes in particular looked like a reborn player, his creativity giving United a spark that had been missing for a long time.

Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were well aware of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive weaknesses and concentrated most of their attacks on the left flank. Arnold, who has been linked with a big move to Real Madrid, will be hoping potential buyers skip Sunday’s match after his most lackluster performance of the season. Roy Keane even went so far as to say that Trent’s form for this game would be for Tranmere Rovers rather than Real.

United’s first goal came in the 52nd minute, as they were unable to keep up with Dalot’s run and their subsequent movement ultimately allowed defender Lisandro Martinez to let Arnold slip and score from an acute angle. Liverpool responded quickly too, with Kodi Gakpo equalizing in the 59th minute and goalkeeper Mohamed Salah converting a penalty in the 70th minute to continue their good form and give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

The performance of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. (Reuters)

In situations like this in the past, United’s players would hunker down as fans braced themselves for another defeat. But not under Amorim’s watch. On this night, at least, it was a different monster, as manager Fernandes let off substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who outplayed Arnold and crossed for Amad Diallo to equalize.

During Ten Hag’s time as manager, United fans would have been accustomed to seeing their team play into their own half to secure a draw. Most of the time, that defensive mindset ends up costing United, as teams that press high inevitably win the ball and score in the embers to win the game.

But at Anfield, Amorim’s United refused to rest on their laurels even after equalizing, completely upending that scenario. Chances were wasted as both players looked to score a decision in the closing stages of the match. But United’s biggest mistake came from an unexpected source.

Manchester United player Lisandro Martinez celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Liverpool during the English Premier League soccer match held at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. (AP)

Liverpool took the lead in the final minute of the game’s opening seven minutes, when Joshua Zirkzee went close to the opposition’s goal, but instead of firing, he turned the ball to Harry Maguire. The central defender toyed with goalkeeper Alisson Becker but smashed the ball over the bar and the Merseyside crowd breathed a sigh of relief.

Why Zirkzee, himself a striker, hasn’t taken a shot remains a mystery, but these are issues Amorim will need to correct as his tenure lengthens. Even minus the brain-fading moments, United’s draw in this game will feel more like a victory, with a solid performance that even eclipsed their smash-and-grab win against Manchester City last year. .

United have felt like a better, better-oiled unit here in response to Amorim’s tactics, which bodes well for the future as the manager brings in more players who suit his style. Dew.