Liverpool v Manchester United LIVE: Result and final score after Harry Maguire misses sitter
The old rivals played out a thrilling draw at Anfield
Amad Diallo struck a late equaliser as Manchester United made a mockery of their recent form to hold Premier League leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
It looked as though Ruben Amorim’s United would go home empty-handed despite a vastly-improved display but Diallo swept in a shot in the 80th minute to earn his side a point.
United had gone ahead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martinez 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 Diallo’s leveller both sides had chances to win in a frantic finale but it was United’s fans who went home happiest. Liverpool have 46 points from 19 games, six more than Arsenal, while United moved up a place to 13th with 23 points.
Follow all the latest reaction from Anfield in our live blog below:
Team news
Ruben Amorim has made three changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Newcastle last time out.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte return from suspension to take back their places from Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. In addition, Kobbie Mainoo replaces Joshua Zirkzee.
Team news
A huge boost for Liverpool, who welcome back Ibrahima Konate – he is the only change made by Arne Slot, and he replaces Joe Gomez.
It’s probably as strong a team as Slot can name, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez the main attacking options from the bench.
Line-ups
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.
Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Mainoo; Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Casemiro, Yoro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Team news
Team news is imminent at Anfield. Does Ruben Amorim have a curveball up his sleeve to try and disrupt Liverpool’s planning? All will be revealed...
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer saga
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
Real Madrid made an initial approach for the right-back this week, which Liverpool rebuffed before the Champions League holders could even make a bid.
But Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and could leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has been able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since New Year’s Day and Real have made no secret of their interest in him.
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
The Dutch coach believes the uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, with Real Madrid already making an approach, has ensured the squad has not become complacent after topping the Premier League and Champions League
Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold concerns amid Real Madrid transfer interest
Arne Slot acknowled he has had conversations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back the subject of an initial enquiry from Real Madrid heading into the new year.
With the vice-captain out of contract in summer he’s now allowed to discuss terms with overseas clubs for a potential free transfer at the end of the season, though reports suggest the Spanish club could return with an offer to take him to Madrid this month.
That’s despite the Reds rejecting their initial conversations over a deal, amid an intention to continue negotiating over an extension for the England international.
Liverpool boss Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold concerns amid transfer interest
The right-back is a target for LaLiga’s giants and is out of contract in summer
Manchester United make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update
Manchester United have triggered their option to extend Harry Maguire’s contract to keep their former captain at Old Trafford until 2026.
Head coach Ruben Amorim, who said Amad Diallo is also close to agreeing an extended deal, said he was happy to tie Maguire down for another year but called on the centre back to be more of a leader.
Maguire joined United for £80m in 2019, a world-record fee for a defender, but was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag in 2023. But he worked his way back into the team last season, and with Amorim preferring to play a back three, he has started each of their last three games.
Man Utd make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update
Coach Ruben Amorim has called on Maguire to improve on the pitch and as a leader
Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Manchester United exit
Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro Leagueworth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, with the forward himself publicly stating he is now open to a new challenge. That has come amid new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for a series of games, as he begins plans to overhaul the team.
It is understood that Saudi Arabian clubs were the first to act on this, with three of them making offers that would involve wages in excess of Rashford’s £315,000-a-week contract at United. The player has already turned these down, and has made it known he is unwilling to move to Turkey, as he desires a move that would help to win back his England place in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit
The 27-year-old could depart Old Trafford but has turned down three offers from the Saudi Pro League
Arne Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Manchester United
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed centre-back Joe Gomez is set to miss “a few weeks” after suffering an injury last time out - but also highlighted good news for the Premier League leaders on the fitness front with two other defenders set to return to full training.
The Reds sit top of the table and host out-of-form Manchester United on Sunday, with Slot facing something of a defensive problem with only five senior players available in the back line, two of which are left-backs.
Gomez had been partnering Virgil van Dijk in the middle of late, but a hamstring issue picked up against West Ham means he’ll miss at least a handful of fixtures this month.
Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Man United
Ibrahima Konate is closing in on a return to action
Prediction
As the odds suggest, it is difficult to see anything other than a convincing home win in this one. With Liverpool looking to extend their lead at the top and United looking incapable of keeping sides from scoring, it could get ugly for the visitors.
Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United.
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