Amad Diallo struck a late equaliser as Manchester United held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
United had gone ahead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro MartÃnez powered home a ferocious shot from a tight angle.
But an off-key Liverpool responded seven minutes later with Cody Gakpo curling home a stunning equaliser before Mohamed Salah put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot.
After Amad’s leveller, both sides had chances to win in a frantic finale with United’s Harry Maguire spooning a glorious chance over the crossbar with the last kick of the game.
As the fans made for the exits on a freezing afternoon it was United’s who were happiest after watching a display that offered hope of better things to come in 2025.
Liverpool remain in control of the title race with 46 points from 19 games, six ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand as they seek to equal United’s 20 English crowns. United moved up a place to 13th with 23 points.
Many of the United fans who made the trip on a grim afternoon might have feared a mauling similar to March 2023 when a rampant Liverpool put seven goals past their archrivals.
United had lost five of their past six league games and relegation had even been aired as a possibility.
But Amorim’s side produced a courageous display as they went toe-to-toe with Liverpool.
Luis DÃaz fired over for the hosts early on and Alexis Mac Allister was then denied by United goalkeeper André Onana.
Ryan Gravenberch was also a whisker away from giving Liverpool the lead with a shot that skimmed off the saturated surface and flew past the post.
But United were not about to lie down and take their punishment. They breached Liverpool’s high line with ease and on one occasion Diogo Dalot was released down the left and his cross was inviting for Amad but he mistimed his header.
Rasmus Højlund should have done better before the break but shot straight at Alisson.
United’s positivity was rewarded soon after the interval as Trent Alexander-Arnold, poor all game, gave the ball away and Bruno Fernandes picked out Martinez to lash an unstoppable shot past Alisson.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool looked disjointed but hit back in stunning fashion as Mac Allister slid a pass to Gakpo down the left and he cut back inside to curl a shot beyond Onana.
The game was then turned on its head as Matthijs de Ligt blocked a header with his arm and after a VAR check referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and Salah did the rest, beating Onana who dived the correct way.
United were not finished though and substitute Alejandro Garnacho crossed low for Diallo to stroke home.
