Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool: The Butcher is back! Lisandro Martinez leads Red Devils to deserved draw as Amad Diallo steps up again after disastrous Matthijs de Ligt second half

Manchester United put up a brave fight against Liverpool on Sunday and, after two moments to forget from Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo struck to salvage a more than creditable 2-2 draw. Indeed, United really should have snatched all three points as Harry Maguire blazed a golden chance over the bar in the last minute of added time.

Ruben Amorim’s side headed to Merseyside amid a run of four consecutive defeats for the first time since 1961, while Liverpool had won their previous four games and had the chance to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with a game in hand after Arsenal and Chelsea dropped points on Saturday.

But the Red Devils, who welcomed back Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, played with intelligence and patience. Amad and Rasmus Hojlund squandered openings in the first half before the excellent Lisandro Martinez blasted United in front in the 52nd minute, scoring the club’s first goal at Anfield since 2018. Their elation lasted less than seven minutes, though, as Cody Gakpo beat the offside trap, swivelled past De Ligt and curled into the far top corner.

De Ligt then gave away the penalty by throwing his hand into the air and swatting the ball after it had come off Alexis Mac Allister’s head. Mohamed Salah squeezed his spot-kick under Andre Onana and it looked as if he was going to condemn United to their worst run of league defeats since 1979, but Amad turned in a cross from substitute Alejandro Garnacho to equalise.

A mad ending ensued and Onana stood tall to keep the scores level before Maguire was left with his head in hands after his maddening miss.

GOAL rates United’s players from Anfield…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Made a great save from Mac Allister with his leg and got a hand to Salah’s penalty. Then made two late saves, thwarting Jota and Bradley. His kicking also caused Liverpool a few problems and no heart palpitations for once.

  Matthijs de Ligt (4/10):

  Unlucky but also responsible for both goals conceded. Skinned by Gakpo and then had his hand in an unnatural position, making him vulnerable to the VAR review that led to the penalty.

  Harry Maguire (5/10):

  Was in his element defending with his back against the wall, but loses marks for his glaring, last-gasp miss.

  Lisandro Martinez (8/10):

  A brilliant all-round display to make amends for some recent horror shows. Kept on top of the danger with plenty of blocks, set up Hojlund’s chance and then rifled in the opening goal.

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    Midfield

    Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):

    Much improved from the Newcastle game. Contained most of Liverpool’s threat down the left and was a good support going forward.

    Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

    Helped nullify Liverpool in the middle but unfortunately ended up playing Gakpo onside for the equaliser. Booked for an earlier foul on the Dutch forward.

    Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):

    Gave United a semblance of control in the middle with his intelligent passing and dribbling and made a few important steals.

    Diogo Dalot (7/10):

    A fine performance up and down the left flank, his runs causing lots of trouble for Alexander-Arnold. Played a good cross to Amad, but booked for holding Salah.

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      Attack

      Amad Diallo (5/10):

      Had a terrible game until he saved the day. Spurned a glorious chance by heading Dalot’s cross backwards then fell over in the area with the ball at his feet. Made amends with the equaliser, although he could hardly have missed.

      Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

      Wasted a glorious chance when he shot straight at Alisson in the first half. It was the only opportunity he got.

      Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

      Reminded United of his importance after missing the Newcastle game, guiding the team through the game and playing incisive passes.

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        Subs & Manager

        Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

        A clever run and pass set up the equaliser.

        Leny Yoro (N/A):

        Made a crucial tackle in the area.

        Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

        Bumbled around a bit but then set up Maguire’s gilt-edged chance.

        Ruben Amorim (7/10):

        A performance to show not all is lost and another demonstration of his ability to create a gameplan against a top opponent.

        Source goal.com