Liverpool and Manchester United drew spectacularly 2-2 at Old Trafford, denying Jurgen Klopp’s team the opportunity to take back the top spot in the Premier League.
In a dominant first half, where Liverpool had 16 shots to United’s zero, Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the lead. However, Bruno Fernandes tied the score brilliantly, pouncing on a poor pass from Jarell Quansah to beat the stranded Caoimhin Kelleher from 50 yards out.
Kobbie Mainoo punished Liverpool’s previous carelessness with a stunning goal into the top corner to give United an improbable lead. However, when Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliott, Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot to add another twist to the match.
Only three weeks after United won an incredible seven-goal FA Cup thriller, it was another incredible match between the two teams that was open until the very end.
Ultimately, the draw keeps Manchester United from losing two straight games after their 4-3 loss to Chelsea in the middle of the week, and it also gives them the opportunity to sabotage their old rivals’ title aspirations. Arsenal is now leading the race for the title.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp:
“We should have won the game – that’s clear.
“We caused a few problems for ourselves. We controlled the game, scored first and should have had other goals.
“They had no shots in the first half. But we made a mistake and they used that immediately – it was well executed from Bruno. Then the stadium is coming and they score another screamer. A wonderful goal.
“But we found a way back in the game. We had big chances before they scored and after they scored.
“It’s a point at Manchester United. I know how people will see it – two points lost but we have a point more than we had before the game in an away game at Manchester United. These games are more special for us than other teams. They put an extra shift it.”
On Liverpool’s finishing, Klopp said: “We were in a bit of a rush – I would have loved us to take an extra touch.
“You always have to take different things from the game. I know the outside world will get nervous but we have to be calm – it’s going to be full of life, excitement and desire.
“The goals we have scored have got us where we are. We need to build on that. We’ll deal with that in the right way.
“I’m not over the moon but it’s okay. You take what you get. If we were more clinical then we could have won here.”
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo:
“Disappointed to be honest. I think we performed really well in the second half. The lads made minor mistakes and if we iron them out then we win the game.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to score my first Old Trafford goal and to do it in this fixture was even more special. We didn’t get the three points, though, and that’s the main thing.
“Mistakes happen in games and they can be detrimental. It’s tough and it takes it out of you. Again, details that we’ve missed. I have my own jobs in the team but the flick-on [for Diaz’s opening goal] got to him in space.
“There are a lot of important games coming up for us. We have to try our hardest [to reach the Champions League places] and come together as a group.”
Manchester United will play again on Saturday Night Football when they visit Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Liverpool will host Atalanta for the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday.
On April 14, they will host Crystal Palace on Super Sunday as they get back into Premier League play.
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