Liverpool and Manchester United fought out to an enthralling 2-2 draw during their highly anticipated Premier League fixture at Anfield on January 5, 2025. Despite Liverpool attempting to extend their lead at the top of the table, it was Manchester United who drew first blood with Lisandro Martinez’s 52nd-minute goal, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
The game kicked off amid uncertainty due to heavy snowfall overnight, which raised concerns about fan safety. Nevertheless, after emergency discussions, the match proceeded, igniting excitement among fans eager to witness the latest chapter of this historic rivalry.
Liverpool entered the clash sitting atop the league table, bolstered by positive results from their title contenders the previous day, meaning a win could put them eight points clear. Contrastingly, Manchester United found themselves struggling, languishing down at 14th place, seeking to recover under new coach Ruben Amorim.
After United’s stunning opener, which saw Martinez slam the ball home following Bruno Fernandes's pass, Liverpool responded swiftly. Just minutes later, Cody Gakpo found the net with a superb finish, leveling the score and rekindling hope among the home supporters.
Yet, the action didn’t stop there — Liverpool was awarded a penalty after VAR adjudged Matthijs de Ligt to have handled the ball. Mohamed Salah stepped up and converted, giving the Reds a 2-1 lead and seeming to cement their grip on the game.
But Manchester United was not to be outdone. A late equalizer from Amad Diallo, following a low cross from substitute Alejandro Garnacho, caught Liverpool’s defense off guard, ensuring the points were shared. It was Amad’s second significant goal against Liverpool this season, reminiscent of his dramatic winner against Manchester City the previous month.
Post-match comments mirrored the emotions felt during the game. "The result is not good enough. The performance was not as good as we wanted... we have to think about what we did wrong and move on," remarked Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool. On the flip side, Bruno Fernandes expressed his appreciation for United’s performance, stating, "It’s a really good result and a fair result; both teams played good football, and it was intense.”
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk noted the importance of managing leads, saying, "It could have been a lot worse... we found the 2-1 and then it is about trying to manage the game..." His words echoed the frustration felt by their fans, who briefly hoped for all three points.
Meanwhile, Amorim, coaching United, was proud of the spirit displayed by his players but expressed his frustration about their inconsistency. Following the match, he said, "You can see the players are trying... the supporters are tired of this moment so it is strange to hear them chanting my name. We have to focus on the little things... we need to build the team.”
Despite the disappointing draw for Liverpool, who saw the opportunity to go eight points clear slip away, there were glimmers of promise for Manchester United, particularly considering their recent struggles this season. The Red Devils displayed resolve and tactical acumen rarely seen in their previous outings, hinting at the possibility of resurgence.
The game underscored the unpredictability of the Premier League and the intensity surrounding this storied fixture, reinforcing the notion not to underestimate United, even when struggling. Both teams have much to reflect upon as the season progresses, especially with the new managerial shakeup at Old Trafford igniting some hope among the United ranks.
The rivalry remains as fierce as ever, with fans from both sides eagerly awaiting the next meeting, hoping for more than just shared points but affirming their teams' dominance. Liverpool faces yet another tough match next, and United will aim to build on their spirited display at Anfield, seeking consistency as the season develops.