Amad Diallo delivered a late equalizer as Manchester United defied expectations to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite a much-improved performance, Ruben Amorim’s United seemed destined to leave without a point until Amad scored in the 80th minute, salvaging a draw for his team.
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United took the lead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martínez smashed a powerful shot into the net from a tight angle.
Liverpool, who appeared out of sorts, responded just seven minutes later when Cody Gakpo curled in a brilliant equalizer. Mohamed Salah then gave the home side the lead with a well-taken penalty.
Amad’s late strike reignited the game, with both teams creating chances to win in a frantic ending. Harry Maguire missed a golden opportunity to secure victory, sending his shot over the crossbar in the dying moments.
As fans braved the cold to leave the stadium, United supporters had more reason to celebrate, witnessing a performance that hinted at brighter days in 2025.
Liverpool still lead the title race with 46 points from 19 games, holding a six-point advantage over Arsenal with a game in hand. United climbed to 13th place with 23 points.
Given both teams’ recent form, many United fans who traveled in gloomy conditions might have feared another thrashing, like the 7-0 defeat in March 2023.
United had lost five of their last six league games, with some even considering the possibility of relegation.
However, Amorim’s team showed resilience, going head-to-head with Liverpool throughout the match.
Luis Díaz came close for Liverpool early on, and André Onana made a crucial save to deny Alexis Mac Allister. Ryan Gravenberch also narrowly missed with a shot that skimmed the wet surface and went wide.
United, refusing to back down, exploited Liverpool’s high defensive line. Diogo Dalot’s cross found Amad, but his header was mistimed, and Rasmus Højlund wasted a chance, shooting straight at Alisson.
Their persistence paid off after the break when Trent Alexander-Arnold lost possession, allowing Bruno Fernandes to set up Martínez, who blasted the ball past Alisson.
Liverpool appeared disorganized but managed to equalize in spectacular fashion. Mac Allister found Gakpo on the left, who cut inside and curled a shot past Onana.
The match took another twist when Matthijs de Ligt blocked a header with his arm, prompting referee Michael Oliver to award a penalty after a VAR review. Salah confidently converted, despite Onana guessing the right direction.
United refused to give up. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho delivered a low cross, and Diallo calmly slotted the ball home to secure a share of the points.
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