Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool: Another Frantic Affair Squandered!
Three games prior, Manchester United spectacularly ended up victorious against their North West rivals, Liverpool. An FA Cup encounter for the ages that possibly came at the wrong time for Erik ten Hag as the momentum seemingly dissolved in an international break that you couldn’t just circumvent.
Following disappointing returns against Brentford and Chelsea midweek, it was imperative that United responded fast out of the blocks against their Merseyside travellers, who could’ve been on the cusp of winning a record levelling 20th league title weeks down the line.
Manchester United did indeed start with a zing required in these emotionally draining affairs. Everything almost culminated into an early awakening through Alejandro Garnacho. Unfortunately, the linesman’s offside flag was lifted. Something to hold onto however, with Liverpool’s backline in particular starting far from fearlessly. Under hit passes, and a lack of compactness required in the early stages of a tough away day.
On demand, flames extinguished for the home side, providing their opponents with ample time to readjust and assume dominance that subdued Old Trafford’s faithful. Worries in the dance? For sure! Liverpool took the lead, starting with Andy Robertson’s corner, knocked on by Darwin Núñez for Luis Díaz to strike first. He peeled away to find freedom at the back post. Poor is an understatement, but typical of this Manchester United team defensively in those situations.
The second half was calling for more. Liverpool themselves lacked the killer instinct and execution to further their goal tally and at Old Trafford of all places, you’d believe in just one split second moment changing everything. The entire weight of this title race depended on what happened here.
Jarell Quansah blindly played a square ball towards nobody in a green and white shirt, instead finding Bruno Fernandes of all people. An act of exquisite finishing followed. Caoimhin Kelleher was caught out near enough to the edge of his area, as Manchester United’s captain struck gold on the first time of asking from distance. A level playing field once again! Pandemonium replaced restlessness.
In fact, both teams proceeded to engage in exhilarating, anxiety driven football. Both sets of fans responded in style and the only missing product was goals. The next in which could end up being pivotal. Who would be present when the mobile sounds?
A call that was answered in true nonchalant fashion by Manchester United’s young star Kobbie Mainoo. After slick build up play down the left hand side, he touched, turned and torched Liverpool’s goal with extreme swagger. A goal worthy of winning any fixture.
Jürgen Klopp’s side have been second to none when it came to delivering late in games this season, and their reaction after conceding indicated as such. Harvey Elliott found himself in a threatening position inside the box with less than 10 minutes remaining, and the usually composed Aaron Wan-Bissaka juxtaposed that characteristic with a reckless act to illegally erase Elliott’s shooting opportunity. Even if said ball carrier seemed to purchase the ticket prematurely.
Penalty given, and of course Mohamed Salah despite wind acting as his hindrance dispatched, in turn becoming the first visiting player to score four consecutive goals against today’s opponents in the Premier League. From jubilation to devastation for a home crowd that has suffered plenty this season.
Liverpool themselves will be disappointed in allowing such chaos for the second North West Derby running. Two dropped points which may end up being detrimental and beneficial for Arsenal and Man City.
Ultimately, Manchester United failed to protect another precious lead, summing up only a fraction of this season’s frustrations on the turf. Bournemouth awaits next Saturday, as Erik ten Hag will be hoping to win his first fixture in four outings.
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