![Amad Diallo of Manchester United sprints away in celebration after scoring his team's second goal [Carl Recine/Getty Images]](https://theworldseye.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192524856-1736101185.jpg)
Manchester United broke their Anfield goal drought in dramatic fashion, as Lisandro Martinez became the first United player to score at Liverpool’s home ground since Jesse Lingard in December 2018. His 52nd-minute strike ended a five-match Premier League streak without a goal at Anfield for the Red Devils. Despite Liverpool’s swift response through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, a late goal from Amad Diallo secured a thrilling 2-2 draw, showcasing United’s resilience against the league leaders.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, former United captain Roy Keane praised his former team’s determination. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “They showed plenty of fighting spirit, it was a bonus with their attacking play and to score two goals.” Gary Neville echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the spirited performance from United, while Jamie Carragher acknowledged Liverpool’s missed opportunity to capitalize on their dominance, expressing frustration over pre-match speculation about a one-sided scoreline.
The draw lifts United to 13th place in the table, providing a morale boost following their recent struggles. Liverpool, despite dropping points, remain six clear at the summit with a game in hand. The match’s fiery conclusion saw chances for both sides to clinch victory, including a missed opportunity by Harry Maguire in the dying moments. For United, it was a testament to their renewed fight, while Liverpool was left to rue missed opportunities in a riveting chapter of this historic rivalry.
🤝 Liverpool and Manchester United share the points after a thrilling second half at Anfield.
— FotMob (@FotMob) January 5, 2025
United move up to 13th in the table with the Reds now six points clear at the top. pic.twitter.com/jkpa4BO763
Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Intense Showdown Ends in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw
(Photo: Phil Noble/Reuters)
Liverpool and Manchester United faced off at Anfield in their first Premier League clash of 2025. Despite contrasting seasons, this iconic rivalry remains one of English football’s most anticipated fixtures. After a morning of uncertainty due to heavy snowfall in Merseyside, the match proceeded as scheduled, delivering a thrilling spectacle.
Pre-Match Stakes
Liverpool entered the match as league leaders, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points, especially after favorable results from Arsenal and Chelsea. Manager Arne Slot’s team had momentum and a game in hand, which promised a significant advantage in the title race.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, under mounting pressure, found themselves in an unfamiliar position—14th in the league and just seven points above the relegation zone. A win at Anfield would provide much-needed relief, helping them leapfrog West Ham and Tottenham in the standings.
A Goalless but Tense First Half
The first half showcased intense action, though neither side managed to break the deadlock. Liverpool dominated possession, creating several chances through their dynamic forwards, but United’s defense, led by goalkeeper Andre Onana, held firm. On the other end, United relied on counterattacks, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating their moves, but Alisson Becker proved reliable for the Reds.
Second Half: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
![Amad Diallo of Manchester United nets the team's second goal [Carl Recine/Getty Images]](https://theworldseye.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192524739-1736100913.jpg)
The match sprang to life in the second half, treating fans to a chaotic and enthralling contest.
- Liverpool Strikes First: Cody Gakpo opened the scoring with a clinical finish, capitalizing on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint cross. The home crowd erupted as Liverpool took a deserved 1-0 lead.
- United Hits Back: Marcus Rashford responded for the visitors, slotting home an equalizer after a slick through-ball from Fernandes. The goal shifted the momentum, igniting hope among United fans.
- Nunez Restores Liverpool’s Lead: Liverpool regained the advantage through Darwin Nunez, who powered a header into the net following a well-taken corner. However, the forward’s aggression later earned him a yellow card, ruling him out of Liverpool’s next game.
- Amad’s Dramatic Equalizer: Just as Liverpool seemed poised for victory, United’s Amad Diallo found the net. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho delivered a low cross that bypassed Liverpool’s defense, allowing Diallo to finish emphatically. His celebration—kissing the United badge—fueled the emotional intensity of the occasion.
Key Moments in the Closing Minutes
The final minutes saw a flurry of activity:
- Onana denied Jota and Bradley in quick succession with two outstanding saves, keeping United in the game.
- Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold received a yellow card, adding to the match’s disciplinary tally.
- Both teams made substitutions to freshen up their squads. Liverpool brought on Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley, while United introduced Zirkzee and Yoro.
Post-Match Implications
The 2-2 draw left both teams with mixed emotions.
- Liverpool’s Perspective: Although they missed the chance to secure all three points, the draw extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points, albeit with lingering questions about defensive lapses.
- United’s Perspective: For a team struggling in the bottom half of the table, securing a point at Anfield felt like a morale boost. However, the pressure on Erik ten Hag to turn around United’s fortunes remains immense.
Statistical Highlights
- Possession: Liverpool dominated with 62% compared to United’s 38%.
- Shots on Target: Liverpool registered nine shots on target, while United managed six.
- Disciplinary Issues: The match saw several yellow cards, reflecting its fiery nature.
Liverpool will aim to consolidate their title challenge in the coming weeks, though they must address their defensive vulnerabilities. United, on the other hand, must use this result as a springboard to rebuild confidence and climb out of the relegation-threatened zone.
As the Premier League marches on, the enduring rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United has once again demonstrated its ability to captivate football fans worldwide.
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The Battle of Titans: Liverpool vs. Manchester United – Pre-Match Review
(Photo: Darren Staples/Getty Images)
As the players emerge from the tunnels of Anfield, the tension in the air is palpable. The age-old rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is set to reignite, with both teams walking a vastly different path this season. As the Premier League anthem rings out, fans around the globe prepare for another chapter in this historic fixture.
Team Lineups and Tactics
Manchester United enters with a 3-4-2-1 formation under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite their recent struggles, the lineup reflects a mix of youth and experience. Captain Bruno Fernandes returns after suspension to lead the attack, supported by Amad Diallo and Rasmus Højlund. In midfield, Mainoo and Ugarte replace Eriksen and Casemiro, signaling a tactical shift towards dynamism.
On the defensive end, the trio of de Ligt, Maguire, and Martinez face the daunting task of containing Liverpool’s lethal front line. With recent losses fresh in memory, Amorim’s team must bring their A-game to stand a chance.
Meanwhile, Liverpool adopts a 4-2-3-1 setup under Arne Slot, who has transformed the team into title contenders. Mohamed Salah, in blistering form, spearheads the attack with support from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo. Gravenberch and Mac Allister provide midfield stability, while Konate steps in for the injured Gomez to partner with van Dijk at the back.
The inclusion of Nunez and Jota on the bench offers further attacking depth, giving Slot plenty of options as the match unfolds.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Manchester United | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Attempts | 13 | 9 |
| On Target | 9 | 6 |
| Off Target | 5 | 4 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
Liverpool & Manchester United Lineups
| Liverpool | Manchester United |
|---|---|
| 1. Alisson Ramses | 24. Andre Onana |
| 66. Trent Alexander-Arnold | 4. Matthijs de Ligt |
| 5. Ibrahima Konate | 5. Harry Maguire |
| 4. Virgil van Dijk | 6. Lisandro Martinez |
| 26. Andrew Robertson | 3. Noussair Mazraoui |
| 38. Ryan Gravenberch | 25. Manuel Ugarte |
| 10. Alexis Mac Allister | 37. Kobbie Mainoo |
| 11. Mohamed Salah | 20. Diogo Dalot |
| 17. Curtis Jones | 16. Amad Diallo |
| 18. Cody Gakpo | 8. Bruno Fernandes |
| 7. Luis Diaz | 9. Rasmus Hojlund |
Substitutes
| Liverpool Substitutes | Manchester United Substitutes |
|---|---|
| 62. Caoimhin Kelleher | 1. Altay Bayindir |
| 3. Wataru Endo | 11. Joshua Zirkzee (86′) |
| 9. Darwin Nunez (60′) | 12. Tyrell Malacia |
| 14. Federico Chiesa | 14. Christian Eriksen |
| 19. Harvey Elliott (86′) | 15. Leny Yoro (83′) |
| 20. Diogo Jota (61′) | 17. Alejandro Garnacho (72′) |
| 21. Konstantinos Tsimikas | 18. Carlos Casemiro |
| 78. Jarell Quansah | 21. Antony dos Santos |
| 84. Conor Bradley (86′) | 43. Toby Collyer |
The Form Guide
Liverpool sits atop the Premier League table with 45 points, showcasing consistency and flair. They’ve lost only once this season, and a commanding 5-0 victory against West Ham last week highlights their dominance. Salah’s incredible tally of 17 goals and 13 assists positions him as arguably the league’s best player right now.
On the other hand, Manchester United languishes in 14th place, plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle extended a four-match losing streak, raising questions about the squad’s morale and direction. However, Amorim remains hopeful, stating, “In one game, anything can happen.”
Historic Rivalry and Recent Encounters
This is the 216th meeting between these two English giants. While Manchester United leads the all-time tally with 83 wins to Liverpool’s 73, the Red Devils have struggled in recent encounters. Their only victory in the last 13 Premier League clashes came back in August 2022. Anfield, in particular, has been an unforgiving fortress for United, with their last win here dating back to March 2015.
Liverpool, buoyed by their resurgence under Slot, aims to extend their dominance. A win today would mark a double over United this season—a feat last achieved by a Liverpool manager in their debut campaign back in 1936-37.
Key Players to Watch
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Egyptian king is in the form of his life, contributing a goal or assist every 53 minutes this season. With contract talks looming, Salah seems determined to make this campaign memorable.
Bruno Fernandes: Returning from suspension, Fernandes must inspire a faltering United side. His creativity and leadership will be crucial in breaking Liverpool’s defensive lines.
Virgil van Dijk: The Liverpool captain has been a rock at the back, leading by example. His duel with Højlund could be pivotal in deciding the game’s outcome.
Rasmus Højlund: The young Danish striker faces a daunting challenge against one of the league’s best defenses. His movement and finishing will be tested in a high-pressure environment.
Managerial Duel
Arne Slot’s tactical brilliance has revitalized Liverpool, while Ruben Amorim is still finding his footing at United. Slot’s focus on pressing and quick transitions contrasts with Amorim’s approach of building from the back. The clash of styles adds another layer of intrigue to this contest.
Slot’s glowing remarks about Amorim—“He has a good squad, and he’ll bring out their best eventually”—show respect, but today’s game will test both managers’ strategies to the fullest.
Stats and Stakes
Liverpool’s recent form makes them clear favorites, but Manchester United’s history of turning up in big games cannot be ignored. United’s defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly this season, and another loss could push them closer to an unwanted record of consecutive defeats without scoring—a first since 1909.
For Liverpool, this game isn’t just about three points; it’s about maintaining their lead at the top and edging closer to Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles.
Predictions and Expectations
While Liverpool enters as the stronger side, Manchester United’s desperation might fuel an inspired performance. The game could hinge on the opening exchanges—an early goal for either side could dictate the tempo.
Fans at Anfield and beyond eagerly await kickoff. Will Salah’s brilliance shine through again, or can United defy the odds and reignite their season? Stay tuned for what promises to be an enthralling battle.