-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Manchester United battled to secure a draw in the Liverpool snow and ice on Sunday, scoring for the first time at Anfield since 2018 – and Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section were full of praise for one member of the squad for helping to end that miserable record.
Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring early in the second half, and Liverpool answered with a Cody Gakpo strike and Mohamed Salah penalty. Amad tied it up with ten minutes to go, and United might have won it when Joshua Zirkzee teed up Harry Maguire late on.
United offered a spirited display against the league leaders, with many players showing some of their good sides in a difficult match on paper. Despite the performance, manager Ruben Amorim said: “I am trying to make them improve every day. I always challenge them. I feel like everybody, not just the players, but everyone at Man Utd, is too comfortable. I think we need a shock. You can see we were a different team today. It’s not about the system, it’s about the way we face the competition.”
READ MORE: Premier League release statement after controversial Liverpool vs Man United penalty decision
READ MORE: Jadon Sancho sends clear message as Man United draw with Liverpool amid transfer agreement
Ona man drew a lot of the praise, with reader MURED saying: “Excellent game today and enjoyed every minute. Ugarte was awesome. He made so much difference in the middle. Personality, character, and identity were there. Players can do this and consistency and focus should be maintained throughout the game. It might not bring a win for sure but we may not lose either.”
Muboy writes: “Ugarte had a very strong game today against a very strong midfield, no doubt – well played, son. Bruno always has the potential to create chances for United – he’s a top quality player – but on another day we lose possession more often as he tries to make things happen too deep and he’s a villain again in many people’s eyes. But Bruno’s really not the problem for United – he just needs more quality to play with.”
Carriedobbin says: “Ugarte did very well, I thought he would’ve scored his first in the United’s jersey.” Commenter Cantonalives agrees: “Ugarte has been outstanding of late and was again today.”
After the match, the question turned to why Manchester United can’t replicate this kind of performance against others, with both Bruno Fernandes and Amorim expressing their frustrations. TimmyB_ writes: “Without question, the best performance we have seen from this bunch. I’ve never been pleased with a draw and this one would be the exception to that rule. So many outstanding performances all around, but hats off to all of them. How in the world we can play that solidly defensively against the best team in the league and then look like a Championship side against others is what drives us nuts.”
1954brad agrees: “Bruno hit the nail on the head in his interview after, if we can do it today, why can’t we do it every week? The players are there but I think we need a striker and keeper to have any chance of real progress.”
Have your say! What are the missing pieces that would ensure Manchester United can battle with every team, every week? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.