Manchester United’s struggle against Liverpool was clearly visible when the Red Devils drew 2-2 with the Reds in the Premier League match at Anfield, Sunday, January 5.

Amid speculation of a big United defeat, considering Liverpool’s excellent form, it was a great result for the Red Devils.

Liverpool remain at the top of the league standings with 46 points in 19 matches, while Manchester United moved up to 13th.^th position with 23 points from 20 matches.

However, Ruben Amorim should be proud of the way his men fought that day.

Manchester United Fight Becomes Possible with the Right Plan

United always put people behind the ball. Both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte were excellent as defensive midfielders, repeatedly winning the ball in the middle third.

Trent Alexander-Arnold moved into central midfield at times for Liverpool and left winger Cody Gakpo also moved to his right to fill the midfield, but Mainoo and Ugarte defended solidly.

Additionally, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United’s left wing-back and left centre-back respectively, in United’s 3-4-2-1 formation, combined very well to counter the threat posed by Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian player still scored his 21 goals^st goal of the season via penalty to equal Thierry Henry’s Premier League tally.

However, Martinez, Dalot and Harry Maguire dealt with the offensive threat of Salah and Alexander-Arnold. Ugarte often stayed at the back to face Salah and Luis Diaz’s counterattacks.

Apart from that, Bruno Fernandes also gave passes several times to Dalot who overlapped to take advantage of the space left by Alexander-Arnold.

Manchester United’s equalizer also came from substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s cross from the left wing, which Amad then finished with a neat finish from inside the penalty box.

Although Alexander-Arnold remains a considerable offensive threat in the future, his defensive responsibilities are something for Real Madrid, who is reportedly his next destination, to ponder. Alexander-Arnold had to be replaced by Conor Bradley in the second half.

However, United played with little resistance after Liverpool scored their second goal. The way the Red Devils launched attack after attack to continue to put pressure on the home team was an encouraging sight for their supporters.

Had Maguire been able to keep his shots on target in the final minutes of the game, it might have been an impressive win for the visitors.

However, something worth pondering for Amorim is the fact that Garnacho and Amad looked more comfortable attacking down the flanks when Manchester United were chasing the game.

That made them switch to a 3-4-3 formation from a 3-4-2-1, but playing Fernandes as one of two defensive midfielders doesn’t seem like a good idea either. This is the conundrum that Amorim must overcome. Perhaps, a 3-4-3 formation with Fernandes in the midfield-two is only good for them when chasing the game.

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Red Devils Preparing for Another Important Match

Manchester United will face Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup next Sunday, January 12. Beating the Gunners was no easy task, but the way United played Liverpool certainly gave them confidence.

The quality of their passing has improved significantly under Amorim. With the right planning, United have the ability to be close to the top six by the end of the season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to be big favorites to win this season’s title with a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. Overall, the second half of the ongoing season promises a lot for the viewers.