Diallo earns Man Utd deserved draw at Liverpool

Amad Diallo netted a late equalizer as Manchester United defied their recent struggles to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Despite a much-improved performance, it seemed Ruben Amorim's side would leave empty-handed until Diallo struck in the 80th minute to level the score.

United took the lead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martinez unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle. However, Liverpool responded swiftly, with Cody Gakpo curling in a spectacular equalizer just seven minutes later, followed by Mohamed Salah converting a penalty to put the hosts ahead.

After Diallo's goal, both teams had opportunities to secure the win in a frantic finish, with United's Harry Maguire missing a golden chance as he sent a shot over the bar with the final kick of the match.

As fans braved the cold to leave the stadium, it was United who felt the most satisfaction, having shown signs of improvement and hope for 2025.

Liverpool maintained their lead in the title race with 46 points from 19 matches, six points ahead of Arsenal, who have a game in hand, as they aim to match United's record of 20 English titles. Meanwhile, United climbed to 13th place with 23 points.

Given the contrasting forms and confidence levels of the two teams, many United supporters making the journey on a gloomy afternoon might have feared a repeat of the 7-0 thrashing they suffered in March 2023. United had lost five of their last six league matches, with relegation concerns even being raised.

However, Amorim's squad delivered a brave performance, matching Liverpool blow for blow. Early on, Luis Diaz fired over for Liverpool, and Alexis Mac Allister was denied by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Ryan Gravenberch nearly gave Liverpool the lead with a shot that skimmed the slick surface and whizzed past the post.

United refused to back down and exploited Liverpool's high defensive line. Diogo Dalot was released down the left, but Diallo mistimed his header from the subsequent cross. Rasmus Hojlund also missed a good opportunity before halftime, shooting straight at Alisson.

United's persistence paid off shortly after the break when Trent Alexander-Arnold, having a poor game, lost possession. Bruno Fernandes seized the chance, setting up Martinez, who unleashed an unstoppable shot past Alisson.

Liverpool, looking disjointed, responded brilliantly as Mac Allister found Gakpo with a pass; Gakpo cut inside to curl a shot beyond Onana. The game shifted dramatically when Matthijs de Ligt blocked a header with his arm, leading to a VAR review that resulted in a penalty for Salah, who dispatched it confidently.

Yet United refused to give up. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho provided a low cross that Diallo converted to level the match.