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Liverpool v Manchester United LIVE: Result and final score after Harry Maguire misses sitter

The old rivals played out a thrilling draw at Anfield

Chris Wilson
Sunday 05 January 2025 20:05 GMT
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Arne Slot explains Trent Alexander-Arnold talks amid Real Madrid transfer interest

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:

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Chris Wilson5 January 2025 13:00

Early team news

For United, there are no new injury concerns after the loss to Newcastle, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount all remaining sidelined.

Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will return from suspension, and they will likely move straight into midfield after the disaster at Old Trafford earlier in the week.

It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford will be in the squad or perhaps even in the starting eleven, though the poor performances of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho in recent weeks do suggest that Ruben Amorim needs to try something different.

Chris Wilson5 January 2025 12:52

Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE

So Liverpool will indeed face Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League this afternoon, with the Reds looking to extend their five-point lead at the top of the table.

Arne Slot’s side began the year six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand over the Gunners, though they will be aware that any slip up can be costly despite being overwhelming favourites for the title already.

But they will be supremely confident as they face a United side with just two league wins under new manager Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese having seen his side crumble to defeats against Newcastle, Wolves and Bournemouth in the last fortnight alone.

The 39-year-old admitted that United were potentially in a relegation battle as it stands, and it could well get worse before it gets better, with the Red Devils having started the weekend just seven points clear of the drop zone.

Chris Wilson5 January 2025 12:20

Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE

“Well that’s a new one: the train conductor just announced over the tannoy that the match is indeed on.

“A few from London were cancelled earlier but for the most part it has looked relatively smooth for those making their way towards Anfield from different parts of the country.

“On the ground in the city, we’re advised snow fell overnight but there has been rain since, and it’s not heavy right now.

“Doubtless the ground staff will be hard at work for a few hours but there’s little reason to think we can look forward to anything other than another interesting meeting between these two old rivals.”

Karl Matchett in Liverpool5 January 2025 12:15

Liverpool confirm clash with Manchester United will go ahead

“Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned,” Liverpool have confirmed on X. “Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions.

“We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there.”

(AFP via Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle5 January 2025 12:07

GAME ON! Liverpool vs Manchester United set to go ahead

The news from Anfield is that Liverpool vs Manchester United is set to go ahead despite heavy snow this morning.

(AFP via Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle5 January 2025 12:00

Snow hits Liverpool ahead of Manchester United clash

Just 15 minutes until that safety meeting, then. At this stage, the match is still set to go ahead as scheduled - though you can see just how heavy the fall was last night. This chap is eyeing a spot in Manchester United’s midfield, where he might add some mobility.

(AFP via Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle5 January 2025 11:45

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