Liverpool entered Sunday’s match as clear favorites, but Manchester United defied expectations to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Anfield.
United fans had reasons to rejoice as their side managed to avoid defeat on Merseyside, with no interruptions caused by the snowy conditions.
Despite United’s recent struggles, including a four-game losing streak and Ruben Amorim’s slump in form, they delivered a spirited performance against the Premier League leaders. The result showcased a level of confidence and determination that has been missing from their recent outings.
United Impress with Goals from Martinez and Diallo
Lisandro Martinez broke a longstanding drought by becoming the first United player since 2018 to score at Anfield. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo continued his impressive form with a late equalizer, adding another stellar moment to his growing highlight reel.
However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot pinpointed two other United players who caused significant problems for his side: Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Dalot and Fernandes Shine at Anfield
Despite facing criticism in recent weeks, Diogo Dalot retained his place at left wing-back. He wasted no time making an impact, challenging Trent Alexander-Arnold within minutes of kickoff. Throughout the match, Dalot consistently posed a threat to Liverpool’s defense.
His compatriot, Bruno Fernandes, also delivered a standout performance. Operating on the left side of United’s attack, Fernandes frequently drifted wide to combine effectively with Dalot, creating numerous headaches for Liverpool.
United fans were full of praise for Fernandes during the game, calling his display “immense.” Slot, too, was impressed with the Portuguese duo’s contributions.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Slot acknowledged the problems caused by United’s left flank:
“Yeah, I think they did. That’s also due to Bruno Fernandes, who is a very, very good player. He played an excellent game today.
“Dalot was a threat on the left side too. We’re talking about two starters for the Portugal national team, so it’s not always easy to defend against them. I’d say it was more about their quality than anything to do with Trent.”
Fernandes Calls for Consistency from United
Despite his strong performance, Fernandes has faced criticism for his inconsistent form this season. While he enjoyed a standout spell under Ruud van Nistelrooy, his overall displays have fallen below his usual high standards.
Against Liverpool, however, Fernandes reminded everyone of his quality. Speaking after the match, he emphasized the need for United to maintain this level moving forward.
“I’m pretty upset,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “If we can perform like this against Liverpool, the league leaders, why can’t we do it everywhere? It’s frustrating.
“Finally, I put in a proper performance. We’ve said we need more from ourselves if we want to achieve more this season.”
As United looks to build on this encouraging display, the performances of Dalot and Fernandes at Anfield will undoubtedly provide a foundation for optimism moving forward.
