Amad Diallo scored a late equalizer as Manchester United pulled off a surprising 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
It seemed like United would leave with nothing despite their improved performance, but Diallo’s shot in the 80th minute saved them from defeat and kept Liverpool from extending their lead at the top to eight points.
United took the lead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martinez blasted a powerful shot in from a tough angle.
But Liverpool responded seven minutes later, with Cody Gakpo curling in a beautiful equalizer. Mohamed Salah then put Liverpool ahead with a penalty.
After Diallo’s goal, both teams had chances to win in a chaotic final few minutes, with United’s Harry Maguire missing a golden opportunity by sending the ball over the bar with the last kick of the game.
As fans headed home on a cold afternoon, it was United who were more satisfied with the result, seeing it as a sign of better things to come in 2025.
Liverpool stays in control of the title race with 46 points from 19 games, six points ahead of Arsenal, and they also have a game in hand as they aim to match United’s 20 English league titles.
United moved up to 13th place with 23 points.
“I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere?” United captain Bruno Fernandes, who shared the thoughts of many, said.
“Today we put in a real effort, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game.” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted it wasn’t their best performance.
“It could have been a lot worse if we are absolutely honest with ourselves,” he said.
Given the form of both teams, many United fans who made the short trip on a cold afternoon might have feared a heavy loss, similar to March 2023 when Liverpool beat them 7-0.
United had lost five of their last six league games, and relegation was being discussed, while Liverpool had won their last three, scoring 14 goals.
But United played with courage, going toe to toe with a disorganized Liverpool.
Liverpool did have a strong start, with Luis Diaz firing over and Alexis Mac Allister’s volley being saved by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Ryan Gravenberch also almost gave Liverpool the lead with a shot that narrowly missed.
But United had their moments too, breaking Liverpool’s defensive line with ease. Diogo Dalot crossed for Diallo, but he mistimed his header. Rasmus Hojlund also should have done better before halftime, shooting straight at Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson when through on goal.
United’s efforts paid off early in the second half when Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had a poor game, gave the ball away again. Fernandes then set up Martinez, who fired an unstoppable shot past Alisson to put United ahead.
Liverpool was shocked but responded well as Mac Allister passed to Gakpo, who cut inside and curled a shot beyond Onana.
The game took another twist when Matthijs de Ligt blocked a header with his raised arm. After a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty, and Salah converted to put Liverpool ahead.
However, United wasn’t done. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Diallo, who calmly finished to equalize.
The thrilling finish could have seen United celebrate their first league win at Anfield in eight years, but instead, the match ended with Maguire missing a clear chance, shooting over the open goal from a cross by substitute Joshua Zirkzee.
