Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United kicked off 2025 with a performance to remember at Anfield, taking the game to Liverpool and producing a spirited display to get a 2-2 draw.

United came into the game as underdogs, with Arne Slot's side flying, while United have been underwhelming to say the least recently. However, Ruben Amorim's side responded and fought for every ball, going toe to toe with Liverpool, and were arguably unlucky not to come away with all three points.

After a tight first half, United went in front early in the second half after a thumping left-footed strike that flew in from a very tight angle. Liverpool responded immediately with two quickfire goals, first from Cody Gakpo, and then a penalty from Mohamed Salah.

United were the ones to have the last laugh though as Amad Diallo latched on to a brilliant cutback from Alejandro Garnacho to squeeze it past Alisson Becker. United had a number of chances late on, and could have won it with a late effort from Harry Maguire that sailed over the bar in stoppage time.

There were many standout players, but here are our player ratings:

Andre Onana 7

Onana was solid throughout, and looked really comfortable both coming out for corners and when the ball was at his feet. Put in some important saves in the first half and during Liverpool's second-half period of control. A commanding display.

Matthijs de Ligt 6

A pretty comfortable display in the first half, with him keeping the Liverpool forwards quiet. He was undone by some brilliant skill from Gakpo as he committed too early, and was unfortunate to concede the penalty for the 2-1 as the ball struck his arm from close range. However, he put his body on the line on countless occasions.

Harry Maguire 6

Another commanding performance from the towering defender. Flew into every challenge and was dominating all of the aerial balls. Unlucky that the ball bobbled when he struck it late on. Still a performance to be proud of from Maguire.

Lisandro Martinez 8

A much, much better performance from the Argentine today. He was class throughout and his stellar and passionate display was summed up by the excellent way he took his goal. He dealt with Salah well throughout the match, restricting the Egyptian to only a few opportunities, and was really comfortable on the ball. Martinez's best performance of the season without a doubt.

Noussair Mazraoui 7

Solid as ever. Barely put a foot wrong and was winning most of his ground duels, skipping past Liverpool's defenders on a number of occasions. What a bargain.

Diogo Dalot 8

Dominated the wings and was a nightmare for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could not handle the Portuguese wingback as he made flurries forward. He was a constant threat, and provided a response to some of the criticism he has received of late. Linked up well with Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes on countless occasions, and was a thorn in Liverpool's defence.

Kobbie Mainoo 7

Confident, comfortable, and brilliant going into challenges. Another big performance from the youngster in a big game. He was excellent in midfield with Manuel Ugarte, and definitely a partnership for the future.

Manuel Ugarte 9

A truly dominant performance from the player who is quickly turning out to be the best signing of the season. He was good on the ball, did not take any needless chances, and won tackle after tackle. Got an 88% pass completion rate, something that is commendable when facing an energetic Liverpool midfield away at Anfield. What a steal he's proving to be from Paris Saint-Germain.

Amad Diallo 7

He was relatively quiet throughout the game, but he did the simple things right time and time again. With most of the match being played down Liverpool's right-hand side, he was left isolated on a number of occasions, yet he made his presence count when United needed it most with his equaliser, taking it excellently to put it past Alisson. Get that deal signed as soon as possible.

Bruno Fernandes 9

A true captain's performance. He was brilliant both in attacking midfield and at the heart of the pitch. He was constantly looking for a forward ball and was linking up brilliantly with Dalot in the first half. Much was expected from Bruno, especially when considering how he handled himself in recent games and in the dreadful 7-0 loss two years ago, and he stood out. He added that touch of quality that United have needed over the season. Excellent, and a well-deserved MOTM performance.

Rasmus Hojlund 5

A difficult game throughout for the Dane, who was up against it having to battle it out against Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. While he was isolated at times, he put on a fight and was an outlet for United whenever they needed to break quickly. He squandered a big opportunity at the end of the first half, but other than that, had a relatively quiet game.

Substitutions

Alejandro Garnacho 7

Came into the game after 72 minutes and was a spark down the left for United. He was tidy on the ball and kept pressing time and time again. He was uncharacteristically great at decision-making, and carved Liverpool open with his cross for Amad's equaliser. Brilliant impact.

Leny Yoro 8

Plenty of pressure on the young defender as he came on for De Ligt late on. However, he dealt with it excellently and was ready to contain Liverpool all the time. He put in a game-saving challenge to deny a shot for Liverpool. Wonderful on the ball as well.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

He came on very late on for a tired Hojlund, and he gave United a boost in the closing stages. Did not get much of the ball, but he almost got a late assist, yet his bobbling pass was stuck over the bar by Maguire.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 9

He needed this performance from his team, and he got it. Amorim is proving to get all his decisions in big games right. A brave decision to get his team so attacking and avoid just sitting back for the whole game, and it paid off. United went toe to toe with a Liverpool side that has been so excellent this campaign, and it was a display that he will definitely be proud of. His constant comments that United need a full week to prepare for a game were justified, as United provided a much better display than they did throughout December.

Next up for United is a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the FA Cup.