After a chaotic defeat to Chelsea in the last time out for United, they faced off against their arch rivals at Old Trafford once again, just a few weeks after the also chaotic clash in which United came out on top in their FA Cup meeting. While it’s not the best opponent for United to shake off their last result against, the performance actually signalled a positive sense around the team as things stand, with the performances not always matching the results, and while this up and down nature of the football can’t continue forever, it makes for some pretty good entertainment.

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Teams

Manchester United have some serious defensive issues in their selection, throwing youngster Kambwala in against Liverpool as they have to pick another new back 4 with some players playing on their weaker side, and the limited options in reinforcement on the bench.

For Liverpool, they looked more dangerous in their squad on paper, with the likes of Gakpo, Jones and Elliott all able to become involved later in the game as they looked for a comeback.

Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Kambwala, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo (Mount 84′), Rashford (Antony 66′), Fernandes, Garnacho (Amrabat 79′), Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Ogunneye, Amass, Amad, Eriksen, Forson

Liverpool: Kelleher, Robertson, Van Dijk, Quansah, Bradley (Gomez 66′), Mac Allister, Endo (Elliott 69′), Szoboszlai (Jones 66′), Luis Diaz, Nunez (Gakpo 68′), Salah

Subs: Adrian, Konate, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Danns

Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool

Old Trafford was buzzing from the start as Liverpool quickly seized the initiative. It was Luis Díaz who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, timing his run perfectly to meet a cross and volley past the United goalkeeper. The visitors went into the break with the lead, having dominated possession and caused plenty of problems down the flanks.

The second half saw Manchester United fight back with intensity. Just five minutes after the restart, Bruno Fernandes stunned the crowd with a sensational long-range lob that caught the goalkeeper off guard, levelling the score. Then, in the 67th minute, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo curled a beautiful shot into the top corner to put United ahead, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

But Liverpool refused to go quietly. In the 84th minute, a late foul on Harvey Elliott in the box gave Liverpool a penalty, and Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert it coolly, securing a 2-2 draw. The result felt like a missed opportunity for United to claim all three points but provided Liverpool with a crucial point as they continued their push in the Premier League standings.

Talking Points

Manchester United once again showed they can trouble Liverpool at Old Trafford, coming close to a repeat of their FA Cup triumph just a few weeks ago. The Red Devils produced an energetic and attacking display, taking the lead through Bruno Fernandes and a stunning strike from Kobbie Mainoo. For long periods, it looked as though Erik ten Hag’s side might claim back-to-back wins over their fierce rivals, signalling that United are no pushovers at home, even against the league’s top teams.

The result also highlighted Manchester United’s ongoing battle to secure European football next season. With a draw against a title-chasing Liverpool side, United picked up a valuable point, but they remain in the mix for Champions League or Europa League qualification. Key performances in midfield and attack showed the squad’s potential to compete at a higher level, but consistency remains a challenge as the Premier League run-in approaches.

Yet, the result ultimately felt like a missed opportunity as United threw away a lead late on. A late penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah, denied them all three points and left Old Trafford fans frustrated. While there were plenty of positives to take from the display, the game served as a reminder that holding onto leads against top opposition remains a crucial area for improvement if United are to achieve their season goals.