Amad Diallo struck a late equaliser as Manchester United made a mockery of their recent form to hold Premier League leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
It looked as though Ruben Amorim’s United would go home empty-handed despite a vastly-improved display but Diallo swept in a shot in the 80th minute to earn his side a point.
United had gone ahead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martinez powered home a ferocious shot from a tight angle.
But an off-key Liverpool responded seven minutes later with Cody Gakpo curling home a stunning equaliser before Mohamed Salah put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot.
After Diallo’s leveller both sides had chances to win in a frantic finale but it was United’s fans who went home happiest. Liverpool have 46 points from 19 games, six more than Arsenal, while United moved up a place to 13th with 23 points.
Follow all the latest reaction from Anfield in our live blog below:
Liverpool host Manchester United in Premier League | Kick-off 4.30pm live on Sky Sports
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
Man Utd XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martínez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund
52’ GOAL! Martinez gives United a shock lead (LIV 0-1 MUN)
59’ GOAL! Lovely Gakpo finish draws hosts level (LIV 1-1 MUN)
70’ GOAL! Salah gives Liverpool the lead from the spot (LIV 2-1 MUN)
80’ GOAL! Diallo levels it after Garnacho cutback (LIV 2-2 MUN)
Liverpool FC 2 – 2 Manchester United FC
19:25 , Chris Wilson
Roy Keane tried to reflect on the result from a Liverpool point of view, saying that he thinks the Reds “should be upbeat about it”.
“Whatever the expectation before the game that Man Utd would get well beaten, they came here last season and got a result.
“Liverpool played okay today. They had good chacnes but could’ve lost it at the end. You’re going to have your disappointments when you’re trying to win league titles, when you turn up and expect to win and it doesn’t happen.
“Arsenal would be disappointed last night, look where Man City are. Chelsea, teams will drop points. But the key for Liverpool was getting something out of the game, don’t lose it, take the positives.
“Man Utd were always going to produce a performance at some point, but if I was the Liverpool manager tonight my message would be that we’d take a point, move on.”
19:20 , Chris Wilson
In his own interview, Ruben Amorim says that the “big issue” for his players should be the fact “that even one person thinks you have the ability but not the character”.
“We have to fight that and change that,” he says.
“I think it is really clear. When we are focused, when we fight for every ball, when we suffer and we are tired when the game is finished, we are a good team.
“If we don’t do that all the time then we are going to lose games. That is clear to everybody.
“We controlled very well the tempo of the game. Every time Liverpool had a chance, we controlled and had the ball for a moment. That makes a difference.
“You could see in the game, it was not like we are not suffering all the time because we controlled the ball, sometimes winning some fouls, controlling the transitions. It was a good game.
“Everybody thinks the same thing. We have to start someday to be consistent. Not in the way we play but in how we face the competition – so let’s start today.”
19:15 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk tells the media that the result “could have been a lot worse if we are absolutely honest with ourselves”.
“They had a big chance in the end that could have been a lot worse than where we are now. I’m definitely disappointed with dropping points at home but it is what is and we have to move on and we will.
“We found the 2-1 and then it is about trying to manage the game and keep the ball for longer than three and four passes. We lost the ball too easily at times and then we were more open than we should have been.
“We’re not perfect, we’re still learning and we have to learn from this as well.”
“We look at the next game, we don’t look at the league table,” he adds.
19:10 , Chris Wilson
Speaking to Sky, Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister said that the result was “not good enough”.
“The performance was not as good as we wanted but at the end of the day it was a fair result.
“We didn’t play as we wanted and conceded too many chances and had opportunities to score more goals.
“The effort was there, the mentality was there because we came back but when you’re 2-1 at 75 minutes you have to defend better and we couldn’t do it so we have to think about what we did wrong and move on.”
19:05 , Chris Wilson
Roy Keane has had his say on the draw too, as he adds that “Manchester United turned up” on this occasion.
“They showed a bit of passion. They did it at Manchester City recently as well.
“The argument to all of this though is that you can’t just pick and choose when you want to turn up for a game at Manchester United.
“I don’t think anyone would have predicted them scoring two goals today or nearly nicking it at the end. But the key is that they have to back it up.”
19:00 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool have two cup fixtures on the bounce now, with the first coming against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. After that, they host Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup at the weekend.
United’s have a week-long break now – their next match is an FA Cup tie against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
18:48 , Chris Wilson
Bruno Fernandes is the first to speak to Sky, and he says that United have been “criticised fairly because the position in the table says it all”.
“We lost too many points. Even today, we can’t be happy with a draw, because we need points more than they do.
“It’s a fair result, both teams played really good football. I’m pretyy upset, because if we show this against Liverpool, why can’t we do this every week?
“It starts with me, because I finally gave a proper performance overall. I’ve said it before, we need much more from ourselves,” he said.
“It’s [the performance level] been there, but it’s not coming through. Today it came, but now we need to look forward.
“It’s good to get a point, but we need more. You can always do more. We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool,” he added.
“Today was about putting real effort into the game, playing with some passion. It’s your heart that’s going to give you something from this game. At the end of the day you need to put your effort in.
“We can’t stop here. We have to bring this into the next game, to understand this is our level. If we can of it at Anfield today, we can of it every week.”
18:42 , Chris Wilson
That result still leaves Liverpool with a noticeable lead at the top of the table, as they sit six points above Arsenal with a game in hand. The Reds have 46 points from their opening 19 matches.
United rise one place to 13th, with just 23 points, but that was the most encouraging performance of Amorim’s tenure so far.
18:37 , Chris Wilson
18:32 , Chris Wilson
A frantic second half at Anfield, and an advert for the Premier League in that second half.
Both sides hunted the win and there were some moments of real quality, particularly in that equaliser from Gakpo. A very entertaining game overall, even if both sides were at times guilty of fluffing their lines.
18:29 , Chris Wilson
The referee blows the final whistle and the spoils are shared at Anfield! It was a good game in the end, and all things considered, it’s a point that both sides will take.
18:28 , Chris Wilson
97 mins
CLOSE! How has Maguire not scored! United come again and it comes to Zirkzee in the box. Alisson rushes off the line and the Dutchman squares it to Maguire, whose shot flies over the bar! It bobbled up and hit his shin!
On replay, it does look like it would’ve been offside anyway.
18:26 , Chris Wilson
96 mins
Silly foul from Robertson as he drags back Diallo while the Ivorian was in the far corner. Will United even bother going for it? They know how dangerous the hosts are on the break.
Fernandes does deliver it in, and he heads towards goal, but it’s blocked!
18:25 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
Jota drives towards the box but sees his shot blocked. It’s all Liverpool at the moment, but Robertson’s ball to Gravenberch goes astray for a throw.
18:24 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
A lovely switch from Yoro but Garnacho is offside, and it gives Liverpool the chance to attack. Salah then wins a corner.
It’ll be Robertson to deliver – it’s headed on but cleared by Amad, but the hosts will come again.
18:22 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
Liverpool launch a counter and it’s squared into the box before Yoro produces a lovely challenge to aver the danger. It’s not for long though, as Bradley picks up the ball on the right before rifling in a disguised shot that forces a great save from Onana.
From the corner, it’s headed into the path of van Dijk, who can only direct his own header straight at Onana.
There’ll be SEVEN minutes of added time here.
18:20 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
Half a chance for United as they work the corner short and it comes back to Fernandes, who hits an early shot that Alisson spills for another corner.
From the next corner, there’s pinball in the box but Liverpool block two shots and counter…
18:18 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Very frantic and scrappy stuff from both sides at the moment, as both look to gain momentum and some sort of advantage. Neither is managing to keep the ball at the moment, though United do win a corner.
18:16 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
United also make a change, as Hojlund is replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, to a good reception from the travelling fans.
18:16 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
Liverpool make two changes, as Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley replace Gakpo and Alexander-Arnold.
18:14 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
Half a chance for United as Fernandes swings in an early cross towards the far post, but it narrowly outruns the white shirts in the box.
18:13 , Chris Wilson
82 mins
United win a corner but Alisson does well to punch away, before Salah can’t quite find the pass o the counter. Moments later, Alexander-Arnold drags back Fernandes as he’s booked.
United bring on Leny Yoro for de Ligt.
18:10 , Lawrence Ostlere
80 mins
GOAL! Out of nowhere, United are level!
It all looks a bit pedestrian but United work it down the left, with Fernandes slipping a ball in to Garnacho. He stands up Konate and cuts back a cross that runs to Amad Diallo, who threads a finish through the defender’s legs for 2-2!
18:08 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
It’s all a bit more frantic and sloppy from United now, and they’re clearly missing Mainoo in midfield. Their latest attack breaks down as Mazraoui’s ball to Garnacho has too much on it.
18:07 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Now Nunez is booked after barging into de Ligt, and he’ll be suspended for Liverpool’s next match.
United launch a rare attack, but Hojlund is flagged for offside.
18:05 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
It’s Salah who takes it, but his effort sails harmlessly over the bar.
18:03 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
United are furious after Maguire lunges in on Salah at the edge of the box and gives away a free-kick, but it’ll be a shooting chance for Alexander-Arnold.
Maguire is booked for the challenge.
18:02 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
Liverpool are hunting the third and Alexander-Arnold thinks he’s won a corner, but it’s given the other way.
United make a change as Kobbie Mainoo comes off for Alejandro Garnacho.
18:00 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are ahead!
It’s Mo Salah to step up to take. He takes a short run-up and rifles it low into the corner! Onana dived the right way and got a hand to it, but it wasn’t enough.
17:56 , Chris Wilson
68 mins
PENALTY!
Plenty of pressure from the hosts now, and there’s a huge handball shout…
The ball comes in the right and Mac Allister gets a header to it – the header is blocked by a flailing hand by de Ligt, and it looks like a stonewall penalty.
It’s given!
17:55 , Chris Wilson
66 mins
Now Liverpool win a corner, and they’ll look to put the ball right on top of Onana again. It comes back to Alexander-Arnold, but his cross is blocked and Liverpool recycle possession.
It ends with Mac Allister rifling a shot well over from distance.
17:53 , Chris Wilson
64 mins
Liverpool have a huge counter-attacking chance but Ugarte is there to make a vital interception, before United win another corner as Mazraoui’s cross is pout behind.
From the set-piece, Amad’s cross is cleared and de Ligt picks up a booking for dragging back Nunez on halfway.
17:52 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
It looks like Nunez upfront and Jota filling the ‘10’ role that Jones was in for the hosts.
Dalot makes some space past Alexander-Arnold and his cross is turned behind for a corner.
17:50 , Chris Wilson
61 mins
Liverpool make two changes as Jones and Diaz come off for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
17:49 , Chris Wilson
59 mins
GOAL! The hosts are level!
United manage to clear the free-kick from Alexander-Arnold but Liverpool come again. Mac Allister slips the ball into Gakpo, who cuts in past de Ligt and curls a high finish past Onana for 1-1!
There’s a VAR check, and it looks tight, but it stands!
17:47 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
Liverpool break from the corner but Jones’ ball into the path of Salah has far too much on it.
17:46 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
There’s a long way to go in this one but it’s already frantic as Liverpool chase an equaliser. Some brilliant work from Mainoo eases the pressure though, as he escapes a couple of challenges before being dragged down.
Moments later, Mainoo brings the ball down and his cross in forces a save from Alisson after a deflection.
17:44 , Chris Wilson
52 mins
GOAL! The visitors have a shock lead!
Liverpool can’t fully get the ball clear and Alexander-Arnold’s ball is intercepted. United have the ball on the edge of the box and Fernandes is free in space, and he slips a ball into the path of Lisandro Martinez, who has a tight angle but blasts a shot high past Alisson, into the roof of the net!
17:41 , Chris Wilson
50 mins
Dalot manages to beat Alexander-Arnold down the left but his cross in is headed away by van Dijk.
17:40 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
From Ohana’s free-kick, it’s headed on to Dalot, who drives towards goal before seeing his cross put behind by van Dijk.
From the corner, Liverpool eventually clear before Martinez just about manages to nip in in front of Salah.
17:38 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
Liverpool begin the half with plenty of the ball, as is expected – the hosts have been better in the second half of games this season, and they’ll hope to keep that form going.
Robertson wins an early corner, and Alexander-Arnold’s ball in is right on top of Onana, who’s under plenty of pressure, but he manages to punch it away before Salah concedes a foul.
17:35 , Chris Wilson
The away side get us back underway in the second half at Anfield.
17:34 , Chris Wilson
Both sides are re-emerging from the tunnel now, so we’ll be getting started again soon.
There have been some choice words from Roy Keane at half-time regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending – he mentioned Tranmere Rovers when speaking about the right-back…
17:28 , Chris Wilson
It’s not been an eventful half in Merseyside, but it’s been interesting in a few ways – not least because United have been a far cry from the poor performances fans have witnessed in recent weeks.
Liverpool have still been on top overall – despite United arguably having the better chances – but it’s been close at Anfield.
The second half will be underway soon.
17:23 , Chris Wilson
17:19 , Chris Wilson
The referee brings the first half to an end at Anfield, and the two sides go into the break level.
Not sure many fans of either side expected that, but there’s a long way to go here.
17:18 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
United have gotten away with a couple of sloppy passes in dangerous areas in this half, mostly because Liverpool have been sloppy themselves at times. After the latest, both sides look like they’re happy to take this into the second half.
17:17 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Nevertheless, while it can go downhill so quickly at Anfield, United have given a good account of themselves in this first half so far. Mainoo gives away a foul near halfway, and Liverpool eventually look to counter, but Gravenberch and Diaz are crowded out by the bodies in the United box.
There’ll be two minutes of added time here.
17:14 , Chris Wilson
42 mins
Better from United after Martinez’s long ball forward finds an unmarked Hojlund. He’s 1-v-1 with Alisson after beating the offside trap, but his effort is far too close to the ‘keeper and the Brazilian makes the save.
A reminder now, that when United lost 7-0 here in Match 2023, they conceded the first in the 43rd minute.
17:12 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
Another half-chance goes begging as Salah can’t get the ball under control in the box. United mount a rare attack, but it ends with Martinez committing a foul on the edge of the box after Dalot had headed the ball across goal.
Moments later, Amad slips a ball through to Fernandes, whose cross to Hojlund is cleared by van Dijk.
17:09 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
“This is a fixture with a recent record of stalemates as well as thrashings. United drew 0-0 here last year with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane excelling, albeit as Liverpool had 34 shots.
“It is 0-0 so far with Ruben Amorim fielding a very different defence, even if United’s occasional attacks indicate there is the possibility of a goal for them. Liverpool look the likelier scorers, though.”
17:08 , Chris Wilson
36 mins
Liverpool are building the pressure but it hasn’t paid off so far, with Mazraoui the latest to produce some good defending as he heads back to Onana as Gakpo tries to bring it down from a few yards out.
17:04 , Chris Wilson
33 mins
Maguire does well once more to win the goal kick off Alexander-Arnold’s cross, much to the frustration of the home fans.
Moments later, Gakpo finds himself in plenty of space, but he can’t get the shot away, and the attack ends as Gravenberch’s pass finds a white shirt and de Ligt flies in with a great challenge to win possession.
17:02 , Chris Wilson
31 mins
It’s fair to say United are doing a good job of frustrating the hosts, though they have shown some decent passing in midfield in parts as well. It’s just lacking in the final third, as shown when Mainoo’s ball forward lands in the gloves of an unchallenged Alisson.
17:00 , Chris Wilson
29 mins
That’s a few times – for each side– that an attack has broken down due to slower reactions or a lack of quality, with Gravenberch the latest guilty party. It hasn’t clicked in attack for either side yet, though the hosts certainly look the more dangerous when they pour forward.
Having said that, the Dutchman almost provides the first moment of class, as he surges towards the box and drives a shot that fizzes narrowly wide of the far post.
16:57 , Chris Wilson
27 mins
Some good work from Mainoo is undone by a poor touch from Hojlund and Liverpool can attack, though Mazraoui and Fernandes combine to ease the pressure for now.
It’s all a bit scrappy at the moment, with a few flashes of quality.
16:56 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
Another United corner comes to nothing, though there is some pinball in the Liverpool box – the home fans don’t like the way their team are dealing with these set-pieces at the moment.
16:54 , Karl Matchett at Anfield
“Alexis Mac Allister has been a standout in the early period of the game, his touch and control making light of the conditions and helping the home team’s early dominance.
“United are not without moments of their own though as Amad’s chance there shows – Liverpool will know they must be aware of counters, as well as being clinical themselves with the chances they’re already making.”
16:53 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
United’s corner is cleared and Liverpool look to counter, but they’re penalised for a foul in their half. United’s free-kick comes to nothing as the offside flag is raised.
Moments later, Dalot is booked for dragging back Salah.
16:52 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
“It isn’t saying much but Manchester United have started better than they did against Newcastle.
“There is more solidity in midfield with Ugarte and Mainoo. That said, Liverpool then carved out two fine chances in swift succession, one for Cody Gakpo and one for Alexis Mac Allister.
“And then it started to feel a question of how long United can hold out.
16:51 , Chris Wilson
20 mins
Just as that comment was posted, United manage to break Liverpool’s high line, and Dalot finds himself bearing down on the box. He flicks a ball across goal towards Amad Diallo, but the Ivorian can’t get a clean header on it and it ends up going behind him, before Mainoo sees his shot defected wide.
16:50 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
Wasteful from United as Dalot’s ball to Fernandes runs out of play. Very little threat from the visitors, as we’ve come to expect in recent weeks.
16:49 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
Great play from Mac Allister, who skips past a challenge before feeding the ball forward to Salah, who can’t make the space to free Gakpo.
16:47 , Chris Wilson
16 mins
Another couple of chances for the hosts, who are beginning to dominate. The first comes in to Gakpo, who pokes wide with his weaker foot when 1-v-1. Moments later, Salah clips in a lovely diagonal cross that Mac Allister volleys straight at Onana.
16:44 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
Half a chance for the hosts. they work it wide to Salah, whose cross is cleared by Martinez straight to Alexander-Arnold. He sees his shot blocked by Martinez before he lays it off to Diaz, who fires well over.
16:42 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
De Ligt is searching for Hojlund with a long ball over the top, but Alisson is off his line quickly to clear. Not a lot happening for either side in attack so far.
16:40 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
The hosts still look supremely comfortable on the ball, but they’re in no rush to try and force the issue at the moment. It seems like they’re waiting for the right time to pounce – in the reverse fixture, that came when United lost the ball in their own half.
United look slightly more comfortable on the ball than last week, but again they have created nothing in the final third.
16:37 , Chris Wilson
7 mins
Liverpool’s first foray forward sees Salah cut inside Dalot and deliver in a diagonal cross, which Maguire does well to cut out.
Moments later, Salah wins a corner, and it’ll be Alexander-Arnold to deliver – Onana manages to punch clear, and United avert the danger for now.
16:35 , Chris Wilson
5 mins
Liverpool look very comfortable, as you expect, though no chances yet for either side. The hosts look perfectly content to bide their time at the moment.
16:34 , Chris Wilson
3 mins
Mainoo looks okay to carry on, and we’re back underway with a Liverpool drop ball in their half.
Mainoo’s first involvement is to steal the ball back right after the referee allowed him back on, but the United attack ends with Alexander-Arnold eventually shepherding Dalot off the ball in the box.
16:32 , Chris Wilson
1 min
Scrappy in the opening exchanges, with neither side able to keep the ball. Mainoo has stayed down after sliding into a challenge on Gravenberch.
16:30 , Chris Wilson
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rings out around Anfield and we’re ready for kick-off. The hosts get us underway.
16:26 , Chris Wilson
The teams are emerging from the tunnel at a raucous Anfield – the home fans certainly know the importance of the eight-point lead that they could finish the day with.
Arne Slot recently said that United “have much better players, in my opinion, than maybe the league table shows at the moment”, but even the most ardent of United supporters likely won’t be backing their side to take anything away from today.
Nevertheless, there have been similar surprises in matches of this magnitude…
16:23 , Chris Wilson
The two sides are about to take their places in the Anfield tunnel now. Not long to go before kick-off!
16:19 , Chris Wilson
Following their 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, Arne Slot could become just the second Liverpool manager to do the league double over Manchester United in his first season with the club, after George Kay in 1936-37.
Mohamed Salah has been involved in 30 Premier League goals this season for Liverpool (17 goals, 13 assists), scoring and assisting in eight different games – already the most by a player in a single campaign ever.
16:15 , Chris Wilson
It is yet another of those moments where Ruben Amorim is trying to create a new future, only for history – and a more problematic present – to impose on events.
The Manchester United manager won’t use Marcus Rashford for a seventh successive game, after the England forward was ruled out for Sunday due to illness. There was considerable doubt over whether Amorim would have played him anyway but the prospect did weigh over Liverpool’s preparation, since Rashford is one player even Arne Slot’s most experienced defenders had a certain trepidation about. The 27-year-old has scored more times against Liverpool than any other club, with seven goals, and many of those have been big moments for different managers.
One was the crucial clincher in a 2-1 win that was also Erik ten Hag’s first victory as United manager.
How Amorim can use the past to kick-start Man Utd ‘mission’ at Liverpool
16:10 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool have won their last three Premier League matches, scoring 3+ goals in each victory with 14 goals in total. They last had a longer winning run while scoring three or more goals in each win in February/March 2014 (six in a row).
Manchester United have lost their last three Premier League games. They haven’t lost four league games in a row in the same season since between December and February 1979, while they last suffered four defeats in a row without scoring back in April 1909.
16:05 , Chris Wilson
When Ruben Amorim got to convey good news, it still came with a demand. He informed Harry Maguire that Manchester United were triggering the extension to his contract, capping a personal renaissance after the defender lost his place and the captaincy under Erik ten Hag. But Amorim wants to see more as Maguire is tied down for another year at Old Trafford. “He has to improve as a leader,” said the head coach.
If Amorim was imported to bring his brand of leadership, a youthful manager feels he has too few authority figures on the field. “When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch,” said Amorim. If it was damning, United have some of the symptoms of teams who often lack leaders.
They can struggle to respond to setbacks. They concede goals in quick succession; two in three minutes to Bournemouth, in seven to Nottingham Forest, in nine to Tottenham. They sometimes lose their way in games. Over the last two years, they have suffered heavy defeats or lost matches when they had the pressure of being favourites. There are times when they lack control: it could be attributed in the past to the sacked Ten Hag’s chaotic tactics and more recently to a struggle to adapt to Amorim’s very different system.
Man Utd can reverse damning decline with one missing quality
16:00 , Chris Wilson
Rewind to the beginning of this season, and a hopeful Manchester United hosted Arne Slot’s new Liverpool side at Old Trafford.
Less was known about the Dutchman at this point in the season, but his side produced a brilliant performance to take a 3-0 away win in what was also one of the major steps towards United sacking Erik ten Hag.
Two mistakes from Casemiro helped Liverpool on the way, with Luis Diaz bagging a first-half brace before Mo Salah finished the game off in the 56th minute.
Liverpool have hardly looked back, losing just one game since.
15:55 , Chris Wilson
Jurgen Klopp dropped his bombshell, he later revealed, in November 2023. In January 2024, he went public. Liverpool’s search for a manager could begin; not publicly, given their preference for doing their business as quietly as possible, but at least with one layer of secrecy removed.
They were soon informed that Xabi Alonso was minded to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another year. To many in the wider world, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim assumed a status as the frontrunner after that. Not so, Liverpool would say; he was merely one of several they looked into. There was no preferred choice, they insist, until they alighted on Feyenoord’s Arne Slot. But he seemed to emerge from the shadows. The high-profile nature of the Portuguese’s candidacy contrasted with the low-key approach adopted by Slot. He got the job by stealth, almost without warning.
Five months after he might have done, Amorim will make it to Anfield on Sunday; but in charge of Manchester United. A meeting of managerial opposites has given them very different experiences in charge of England’s two biggest clubs. Slot has had the smoothest of starts at Liverpool, Amorim the rockiest of beginnings at United. Slot has taken his team to the top of the Premier League and Champions League tables. Amorim has warned his new employers are at risk of dropping into the Championship. “This club needs a shock,” he said on Monday.
Liverpool’s vision revealed by Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim’s key difference
15:50 , Chris Wilson
Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United’s struggles have taken their toll on him over the past seven weeks.
Any initial managerial bounce Amorim enjoyed after replacing Erik ten Hag in mid-November has quickly faded and United will head to Anfield on Sunday on a run of four straight defeats, six in their last eight, having slumped to 14th in the Premier League.
Amorim had warned after the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of December that the “storm will come” and so it has proven as United have lost their last three league games by conceding seven and scoring none.
Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd players are ‘anxious and afraid’ ahead of Liverpool clash
15:45 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Manchester United (W7 D5), going down 2-1 at Old Trafford in August 2022.
United haven’t won any of their last eight league away games against Liverpool (D4 L4), their longest such run since a run of nine between 1970 and 1979. They have scored just one goal in their last eight Premier League away games against Liverpool, failing to score in each of the last five.
15:40 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot had plenty of rumours to address in his press conference, and he started by saying that Alexander-Arnold “is playing on Sunday and hopefully he brings the same performance that he has done for the first half of the season.
“I see the way he is in training and he is fully committed to us,” he added.
On van Dijk, he said: “He is a complete player. He is the one that leads the team from start to finish. From the moment I blow my whistle on the training ground, he is the one player that you can always hear. He brings a lot of positive energy.”
On Salah: “I think it’s difficult to compare players. If I only look at my own team, Virgil also has an outstanding season but he doesn’t have the numbers because he is a defender. The numbers Mo has speak for themselves. If you simply look at the numbers and the way he’s playing, he’s definitely a great, great player.”
He added: “It is always important that you have players or staff players that know how to work things. But we are here at one of the best clubs in the world so it is normal that we have players that have won things in their career.”
15:35 , Chris Wilson
Mohamed Salah has said he refuses to be distracted by the uncertainty about his future, as he concentrates on having an “unbelievable season” to meet his target of winning the Premier League again with Liverpool.
The Egypt forward is in the last six months of his contract and said he is still “far away” from agreeing a new deal with the club.
But Salah leads the way in Premier League for both goals and assists, with 17 and 13, as he has helped Liverpool take a six-point lead.
Mohamed Salah provides update on Liverpool contract talks
15:32 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
“Unsurprisingly, Ruben Amorim does not stick with the double act of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen after their unfortunate outing against Newcastle.
“Instead, he makes three changes. As expected, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte return from suspension and Kobbie Mainoo comes into the team after making a difference as a substitute against Newcastle.
“Joshua Zirkzee also drops out, which is no great shock after fans welcomed his first-half removal on Monday. For Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate is the surprise inclusion, returning earlier from injury than anticipated.”
15:28 , Chris Wilson
Ruben Amorim has made three changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Newcastle last time out.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte return from suspension to take back their places from Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. In addition, Kobbie Mainoo replaces Joshua Zirkzee.
15:23 , Chris Wilson
A huge boost for Liverpool, who welcome back Ibrahima Konate – he is the only change made by Arne Slot, and he replaces Joe Gomez.
It’s probably as strong a team as Slot can name, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez the main attacking options from the bench.
15:17 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.
Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Mainoo; Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Casemiro, Yoro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
15:10 , Chris Wilson
Team news is imminent at Anfield. Does Ruben Amorim have a curveball up his sleeve to try and disrupt Liverpool’s planning? All will be revealed…
14:45 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
Real Madrid made an initial approach for the right-back this week, which Liverpool rebuffed before the Champions League holders could even make a bid.
But Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and could leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has been able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since New Year’s Day and Real have made no secret of their interest in him.
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
14:20 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot acknowled he has had conversations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back the subject of an initial enquiry from Real Madrid heading into the new year.
With the vice-captain out of contract in summer he’s now allowed to discuss terms with overseas clubs for a potential free transfer at the end of the season, though reports suggest the Spanish club could return with an offer to take him to Madrid this month.
That’s despite the Reds rejecting their initial conversations over a deal, amid an intention to continue negotiating over an extension for the England international.
Liverpool boss Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold concerns amid transfer interest
14:05 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United have triggered their option to extend Harry Maguire’s contract to keep their former captain at Old Trafford until 2026.
Head coach Ruben Amorim, who said Amad Diallo is also close to agreeing an extended deal, said he was happy to tie Maguire down for another year but called on the centre back to be more of a leader.
Maguire joined United for £80m in 2019, a world-record fee for a defender, but was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag in 2023. But he worked his way back into the team last season, and with Amorim preferring to play a back three, he has started each of their last three games.
Man Utd make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update
13:45 , Chris Wilson
Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro Leagueworth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, with the forward himself publicly stating he is now open to a new challenge. That has come amid new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for a series of games, as he begins plans to overhaul the team.
It is understood that Saudi Arabian clubs were the first to act on this, with three of them making offers that would involve wages in excess of Rashford’s £315,000-a-week contract at United. The player has already turned these down, and has made it known he is unwilling to move to Turkey, as he desires a move that would help to win back his England place in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit
13:30 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed centre-back Joe Gomez is set to miss “a few weeks” after suffering an injury last time out – but also highlighted good news for the Premier League leaders on the fitness front with two other defenders set to return to full training.
The Reds sit top of the table and host out-of-form Manchester United on Sunday, with Slot facing something of a defensive problem with only five senior players available in the back line, two of which are left-backs.
Gomez had been partnering Virgil van Dijk in the middle of late, but a hamstring issue picked up against West Ham means he’ll miss at least a handful of fixtures this month.
Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Man United
13:15 , Chris Wilson
As the odds suggest, it is difficult to see anything other than a convincing home win in this one. With Liverpool looking to extend their lead at the top and United looking incapable of keeping sides from scoring, it could get ugly for the visitors.
Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United.
13:00 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.
Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Hojlund.
12:52 , Chris Wilson
For United, there are no new injury concerns after the loss to Newcastle, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount all remaining sidelined.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will return from suspension, and they will likely move straight into midfield after the disaster at Old Trafford earlier in the week.
It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford will be in the squad or perhaps even in the starting eleven, though the poor performances of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho in recent weeks do suggest that Ruben Amorim needs to try something different.
12:20 , Chris Wilson
So Liverpool will indeed face Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League this afternoon, with the Reds looking to extend their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side began the year six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand over the Gunners, though they will be aware that any slip up can be costly despite being overwhelming favourites for the title already.
But they will be supremely confident as they face a United side with just two league wins under new manager Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese having seen his side crumble to defeats against Newcastle, Wolves and Bournemouth in the last fortnight alone.
The 39-year-old admitted that United were potentially in a relegation battle as it stands, and it could well get worse before it gets better, with the Red Devils having started the weekend just seven points clear of the drop zone.
12:15 , Karl Matchett in Liverpool
“Well that’s a new one: the train conductor just announced over the tannoy that the match is indeed on.
“A few from London were cancelled earlier but for the most part it has looked relatively smooth for those making their way towards Anfield from different parts of the country.
“On the ground in the city, we’re advised snow fell overnight but there has been rain since, and it’s not heavy right now.
“Doubtless the ground staff will be hard at work for a few hours but there’s little reason to think we can look forward to anything other than another interesting meeting between these two old rivals.”
12:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned,” Liverpool have confirmed on X. “Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions.
“We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there.”
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