English FA says NO PENALTY as Liverpool controversial goal CANCELLED and referee suspended – All 3 points awarded to Man Utd
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Manchester United vs Liverpool live highlights and reaction as Mainoo and Fernandes goals secure point
Man United drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and you can recap what happened in our dedicated blog.
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BY SAMUEL LUCKHURST, TYRONE MARSHALL, STEVEN RAILSTON
UPDATED19:02, 7 APR 2024
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(Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they bounced back from their late collapse against Chelsea on Thursday night.
A late Cole Palmer double condemned United to defeat at Stamford Bridge on Thursday and that represented a huge blow to the hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
United beat Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarter-final three weeks ago and another victory over the Merseysiders would have been perfect tonic after a chastening night in West London.
But the points were shared, with Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah all getting on the scoresheet in an enthralling encounter with end-to-end action.
Liverpool took the lead after 20 minutes and would have been disappointed to only be leading 1-0 at the break, but United sparked a comeback and led 2-1 after the hour mark.
Salah then converted a penalty with 10 minutes remaining to ensure a point for his side.
Recap what happened at Old Trafford here.
KEY EVENTS
United player ratings as Mainoo good vs Liverpool
17:34
FULL-TIME! United 2-2 Liverpool
17:26
82′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – GOAL! 2-2 LIVERPOOL! (Salah)
17:12
81′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – Liverpool penalty
17:11
66′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – GOAL! 2-1 UNITED! (Mainoo)
16:56
50′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – GOAL! 1-1 UNITED! (Fernandes)
16:40
21′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – GOAL! 1-0 LIVERPOOL! (Diaz)
15:54
19:02STEVEN RAILSTON
Klopp aims dig at United performance
Jurgen Klopp derided Manchester United’s performance against Liverpool by suggesting they would definitely lose to Arsenal if they play the same way.
Liverpool led 1-0 at half-time at Old Trafford, having had 15 shots to United’s zero, yet Bruno Fernandes struck an audacious equaliser in the 50th minute and Kobbie Mainoo curled in majestically to put United 2-1 up.
Mohamed Salah slotted in an 84th-minute penalty to deny United victory but Liverpool will rue dropping points against a United side that has won one of their past six Premier League games.
United fans heckled Klopp with a chorus of “Jurgen’s cracking up” and again at full-time as he approached the tunnel. Klopp cupped his ear in response.
League leaders Arsenal travel to Old Trafford next month and Klopp suggested he would cheer on United if Liverpool are still competing for the title.
“Probably,” Klopp said. “If we are still around then that would be great. But Arsenal is a good football team. If they play like today, Arsenal will win the game, I am 100% sure.
“I am sorry to say that. It is a fact we should have won both games but didn’t.”
Salah’s leveller marked the 29th goal that has been scored in the 80th minute or beyond in United’s 90-minute games this season and the fourth late goal they have conceded in the last three games.
United have dropped seven points from winning positions late on in their last three matches.
“First of all, it’s very disappointing when you put yourselves three times in the week in a winning position just before the end of the game but then drop points,” Ten Hag admitted. “We have all seen some poor decisions.
“All three games had poor decisions and not every time the same players. What is not helping is we have 27 different shapes in the backline, the routines aren’t there, but still we have to improve. The sooner the better.”
(Image: Getty)
18:53STEVEN RAILSTON
Klopp’s verdict on the game
Here’s what the Liverpool boss had to say on the match.
“We should have won the game, that is clear. We should have had other goals in the first half already. No shots in the first half and 1-0 is the lowest we could expect. Really well done from Bruno. Then the stadium is coming and we needed a few minutes to settle again and they scored another screamer. We had big chances before and after they scored. As far as I’m concerned, we have a point more than we did before. They put an extra shift in, that’s how it is. We will face that again against Everton. Fully deserved equaliser.
“I think the Dom Szoboszlai chance was an incredible save from Onana. The other ones, we were in a bit of a rush, I would have loved us to take an extra touch. We have to be calm in the whole journey. The goals we scored brought us to where we are right now. We have Europa League on Thursday and then it’s Crystal Palace. Games are coming thick and fast, that is good for us. I’m not over the moon but it’s OK.
“I’m not angry at all with the boys but in the game I’m not just going to let things happen. We dropped too deep. There were plenty of situations where we could have defended the ball. You need to be proactive.
“We play now at home against Atalanta, difficult game but at home and then another. We don’t have many home games left. The team who wins the league in the end should deserve it. We are in the race and I’m absolutely fine with it.”
18:47STEVEN RAILSTON
What Ten Hag told United players at half-time
Erik ten Hag told his Manchester United squad they needed to win more duels and switch play quicker after a poor first-half performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
United hadn’t been in the game in the first 45 minutes and trailed 1-0 at the break, although they could have been further behind, having failed to muster a shot while Liverpool had 15.
But they were much improved after the break, with Bruno Fernandes capitalising on a Jarell Quansah mistake to score from 45 yards and Kobbie Mainoo giving them the lead before Mohamed Salah’s penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw.
Ten Hag only changed some minor details with his side at the break, reinforcing the message and telling them to be more combative in their approach.
“I think most important was that when we had decisive moments first half we lost the duels and our decision-making in the half spaces, we weren’t quick enough,” he said.
“We encouraged the team at half-time to win those duels, the moment you win those and then make a change to the far side half space and you create an overload and you will create. We didn’t take advantage in the first half and the second half we did. We needed a moment, to punish a mistake and that got us back in the game.”
Mainoo’s goal was an outstanding finish and Ten Hag was particularly pleased that it was a move from the training ground, aimed at moving the play across and exploiting those spaces in the Liverpool set-up.
“It was a very good team goal, a goal from out of the game plan, so very proud the team could transfer this the way we did, to get the ball to the far side half space and get the switch and the finish was brilliant,” he said.
18:08STEVEN RAILSTON
Mainoo has been exceptional
He spoke to MUTV after the game and said the following:
17:58STEVEN RAILSTON
United respond to half-time reception in Liverpool draw
One-nil down, 15 shots faced and no shot at the Liverpool goal. Yet Manchester United’s exit at half-time was soundtracked to cheers rather than jeers. They were louder within five minutes of the restart. And again in the 67th minute.
For the second month running at the Stretford End, United levelled against Liverpool with something out of nothing. Jarell Quansah’s careless pass, clipped in magnificently by Bruno Fernandes, transformed a non-event into a contest.
Kobbie Mainoo, majestic against Liverpool last month, was minutes away from the matchwinner with his first Old Trafford goal. Jurgen Klopp, impatient with Liverpool’s forwards at 1-0, let rip at 1-2.
Whatever Erik ten Hag’s fate, he has reserved his best moments for games with Liverpool. Or rather, the players have. Ten Hag was on the cusp of a home hat-trick against Liverpool until Aaron Wan-Bissaka overestimated the reach of his sliding tackle to upend Harvey Elliott. Elliott, robbed of the ball for Amad’s winner in the cup tie, goaded Wan-Bissaka.
United’s followers sang “Oh United, we love you” as full-time loomed. Antony had a presentable chance to win it, eerily from practically the same patch of grass Amad did in the quarter-final. Elliott had a later chance and his volley was gathered cleanly by Andre Onana.
After the final whistle, the Stretford End sang about returning to Wembley. United’s league campaign feels a write-off, merely a question of which Europa competition they will compete in next season. Their season will not be judged by the FA Cup but it is the focus of the matchgoers.
United have one win in their past six league fixtures and remain marooned in sixth. Newcastle, likely their penultimate opponents in the rescheduled game at Old Trafford, lurk only two points behind.
There is some consolation for United fans in halting Liverpool’s momentum after they failed to return to the summit. The Stretford burst into a chorus of “Jurgen’s cracking up” during the game and it continued when he approached the tunnel.
The report continues here.
(Image: Getty )
17:34KEY EVENT
United player ratings as Mainoo good vs Liverpool
Andre Onana
Made one particularly good save from Dominik Szoboszlai and had to repel other efforts as Liverpool tried and failed to go 2-0 up. 7
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Lost Darwin Nunez for the corner Liverpool scored from and prone to panicky moments. Claimed an unlikely assist for Kobbie Mainoo but brainlessly conceded a penalty. 5
Willy Kambwala
Only his second United start and drew applause from Erik ten Hag for a recovery tackle at 1-0 that proved crucial as United equalised. 7
Harry Maguire
Held the fort gallantly alongside his fifth different partner of the season in Kambwala and dominated the aerial duels. Defended stoically. 7
Diogo Dalot
Did more defending than attacking in the first half but became more proactive in the second as Liverpool let United take the initiative. 6
The full ratings continue here.
(Image: Getty )
17:26KEY EVENT
FULL-TIME! United 2-2 Liverpool
That’s the final whistle at Old Trafford. What an absolutely bonkers game of football.
Fernandes and Mainoo on the scoresheet for United, while Diaz and Salah scored Liverpool’s goals. The points were shared and most would have taken that at the start of the day.
There’s always drama with United this season and this game was no exception.
(Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
17:24STEVEN RAILSTON
90+3′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – Antony booked
Antony was shown a yellow card and Amrabat did well to keep him away from the referee.
17:19STEVEN RAILSTON
90′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – Seven minutes added time
Klopp has just checked his watch as the fourth official indicated seven minutes added time.
(Image: Getty )
17:17STEVEN RAILSTON
87′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – Is there another goal in this?
Liverpool are having all of the ball and their possession is in United’s half, which doesn’t bode well.
17:14STEVEN RAILSTON
83′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – Mainoo replaced
Mount ON and Mainoo OFF for the closing stages of this enthralling match.
17:12KEY EVENT
82′ – MUN 2-2 LIV – GOAL! 2-2 LIVERPOOL! (Salah)
Salah converts from the spot and Liverpool now have momentum in the final minutes of the game.
17:11KEY EVENT
81′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – Liverpool penalty
Wan-Bissaka fouls Elliot and a penalty is given – there’s always drama.
17:08STEVEN RAILSTON
80′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – 10 minutes remaining
Amrabat ON and Garnacho OFF, with just 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
17:05STEVEN RAILSTON
75′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – Klopp is animated
United fans chant “Jurgen’s cracking up,” with an animated German on the touchline.
17:02STEVEN RAILSTON
72′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – United must see this out
What a turnaround but United must see this game out to claim the three points. Liverpool are bound to get chances and another goal in this match is likely.
16:59STEVEN RAILSTON
69′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – What a bonkers game
United were dreadful in the first half and yet they’re winning with 20 minutes remaining. That goal from Mainoo was sublime and this has been a fantastic game to watch again.
(Image: Getty )
16:56KEY EVENT
66′ – MUN 2-1 LIV – GOAL! 2-1 UNITED! (Mainoo)
KOBBIE MAINOO! What a stunning goal, as the youngster finds the top right corner.
He’s a special talent and that’s an unbelievable goal.
16:54STEVEN RAILSTON
65′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – Rashford replaced
Rashford has been struggling with an injury and Antony has come on to replace him.
16:52TYRONE MARSHALL
63′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – This is like the cup clash
The pattern of the scoring has been different with Liverpool taking the lead, but this game feels like an awful lot like the cup game. Liverpool have been wasteful and now it’s in their heads, which is only making them more wasteful. Nobody wants to take the shot on now. They’ve even wasted a five-on-two, just to complete the feel of three weeks ago. There must be a lot of nervousness in that away team right now.
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
16:52SAMUEL LUCKHURST
60′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – This is chaos
Liverpool’s analysts are petrified by loose balls heading towards the middle third as that is where United are looking to counter from. This has erupted into a contest in the last ten minutes and United fans might be feeling the more optimistic now.
16:46STEVEN RAILSTON
57′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – The game has come alive
The intensity that was seen in the opening 10 minutes has returned. This game has exploded into life again and it’s hugely entertaining, with chances at both ends.
16:43STEVEN RAILSTON
54′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – Liverpool are crumbling
Rashford comes close to scoring and suddenly Liverpool are crumbling. As I type that, they break forward and fashion a golden opportunity, only for Nunez to make the wrong decision and waste the chance. They had to score that and Klopp will be raging with their wastefulness.
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
16:41SAMUEL LUCKHURST
52′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – That was remarkable
United are like Livia Soprano: always with the drama. That was something out of nothing. As Antony’s was three weeks ago. Liverpool should have had this game sewn up but their profligacy and one careless pass have invited United to turn the game on its head.
That applause United players got going in at half-time was undeserved but the backing was crucial.
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
16:40KEY EVENT
50′ – MUN 1-1 LIV – GOAL! 1-1 UNITED! (Fernandes)
Wow, what a moment and an outstanding finish from distance from Fernandes.
Liverpool give the ball away and Fernandes scores from the edge of the centre circle at the half way line. It’s an outrageous finish with world-class quality.
16:37STEVEN RAILSTON
48′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Hojlund not happy
Maguire makes a huge block to deny Nunez and United counter-attack through Rashford, but he tries to do too much and the attack is thwarted. Hojlund wasn’t happy there – he wanted the pass to come sooner than it did and the pair began to bicker.
16:34STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – We’re back under way
Here we go for the second half – United must improve after the interval.
16:18SAMUEL LUCKHURST
Half-time ratings
Here are your half-time ratings:
Onana
Made one particularly good save. 7
Dalot
Defending and not attacking. 6
Kambwala
Respectable half. 6
Maguire
Trying to hold the fort. 6
Wan-Bissaka
Lost Nunez for the goal. 5
Casemiro
Easy to play against. 4
Mainoo
Had little joy. 5
Garnacho
Suffered from changing flanks. 5
Fernandes
Abysmal. 2
Rashford
No impact. 5
Hojlund
A boy against a man in Van Dijk. 5
(Image: Getty)
16:17STEVEN RAILSTON
HALF-TIME! United 0-1 Liverpool
That’s the whistle for the break. Liverpool lead thanks to Diaz’s goal from the corner and there’s work to do in the second half for United, who have been poor.
The Reds started well and faded as Liverpool took control of the game.
(Image: Getty)
16:17STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Two minutes added time
Almost time for the break, with just two minutes of injury time remaining.
16:14SAMUEL LUCKHURST
43′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Casemiro was gutless
That was rather gutless from Casemiro. It generated booing from United fans, who chanted ‘You Scouse b—–d’ if only to spare Casemiro.
The chasm between the teams has been stark. Liverpool have got their act together and United look so defeatist. The only positive is it’s 1-0.
16:13TYRONE MARSHALL
41′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Questionable from Casemiro
Maybe a bit of South American brotherhood from Casemiro for kicking that ball out, but Diaz had no treatment and hasn’t gone off the pitch. He shouldn’t have done it, even if he did get a thumbs-up from Klopp. United have been giving out gifts like that when in possession all half.
16:10STEVEN RAILSTON
39′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Mainoo’s positioning
Ten Hag has instructed the midfield to go man-to-man today and Mainoo’s role is being heavily scrutinised on commentary. Gary Neville has a point.
16:07SAMUEL LUCKHURST
37′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Klopp nearly fell over
Klopp nearly fell over there when he turned in dismay at Salah’s profligacy. Normally he applauds a missed chance. He knows this game could be done and dusted by half-time and while it’s one goal in it United have a glimmer of hope.
(Image: Getty)
16:06TYRONE MARSHALL
34′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – United conceding chances
That Salah chance was a familiar sight for United this season as it saw all three midfielders caught ahead of the ball and having to sprint back. None of them were ever going to influence play and they got away with it because Diaz’s pass to Salah was slightly behind him. This is so basic it’s on the first page of the coaching manual, yet it happens to United game after game after game.
(Image: Getty)
16:02SAMUEL LUCKHURST
31′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Kambwala recovered well
Ten Hag applauded Kambwala for his recovery tackle. He’s done okay, considering this is only his second career start and he hadn’t been named in a matchday squad this time four months ago.
A minority of United fans belted out ‘Always the victims’ – regarded as a reference to Heysel by United matchgoers.
(Image: Getty)
16:01SAMUEL LUCKHURST
29′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Casemiro could have scored
Fernandes scored from an identical area in midweek and if Casemiro had that chance again he might have gone for goal. Certainly with his heading ability, he should have.
United absolutely cannot go 2-0 down in this game. Liverpool are a different beast to Chelsea.
15:58STEVEN RAILSTON
27′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – United almost respond
Casemiro heads back across goal and no United player can get a touch to turn it home.
15:56TYRONE MARSHALL
25′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – No shots for United
We’re 25 minutes into a game at Old Trafford and Liverpool have had nine shots to United’s zero. Can’t exactly say that was against the run of play. Liverpool are finding it so easy to manipulate space in midfield through neat triangles and passing combinations. United just can’t keep the ball.
(Image: Getty)
15:56SAMUEL LUCKHURST
23′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – Liverpool deserved that
Liverpool have controlled this match for a while now and were operating at their tempo before Diaz struck then. It is slightly reminiscent of the first 40 minutes of the second half three weeks ago only Liverpool have got their goal. It had been coming.
You can almost hear Ten Hag now blaming players injuries for them not being able to do the routines. It doesn’t wash.
(Image: Getty)
15:54KEY EVENT
21′ – MUN 0-1 LIV – GOAL! 1-0 LIVERPOOL! (Diaz)
Liverpool score from a corner as Diaz scores from Nunez’s flicked-on header. That was far too easy and Diaz has been left unmarked at the back post, which is amateur.
United have been poor since the first 10 minutes and the goal is not a surprise.
15:50STEVEN RAILSTON
19′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Big chance for Liverpool
Szoboszlai had to hit the target with that chance but his shot went wide of the post.
15:49TYRONE MARSHALL
18′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Liverpool have improved
Liverpool have seen a lot of the ball since that fast start and have really taken the sting out of the game. United’s best opportunities are coming from turnovers. Every time play starts from an Onana goal kick they are struggling to keep up and can’t get the structure right to build any play.
15:47SAMUEL LUCKHURST
15′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Liverpool growing into this
Liverpool have taken the sting out of the contest in the last five minutes. Not conceding to Garnacho could yet be crucial, given the lift United got from scoring early here three weeks ago.
There was no method to United’s attempt to play out from their own area there. The ball inevitably went long to Hojlund, who was outjumped by Van Dijk. If they want to get the most out of Hojlund then they need to keep the ball on the deck.
(Image: Getty)
15:44STEVEN RAILSTON
12′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Brilliant atmosphere
The atmosphere is brilliant and the game has settled after an intense opening 10 minutes.
15:41STEVEN RAILSTON
9′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – United enjoying the ball
United have recorded 64 per cent possession so far and have seen more of the ball. It’s been a watchable start and you’d be amazed if there’s not a few goals in this game.
(Image: Getty)
15:37TYRONE MARSHALL
6′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – This has been frantic
Not sure either side can keep this up. Both look dangerous going forward but vulnerable at the back. Liverpool giving the ball away in dangerous areas, just as they did in the early stages of that cup tie, and it’s giving United plenty of encouragement. But the visitors have also had a couple of very promising attacks already. It’s being played at a hell of a pace.
15:35SAMUEL LUCKHURST
5′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – The message from Ten Hag
Ten Hag raised his index finger and pointed towards the far side during an exchange with Fernandes or Rashford. Read into that what you will but it may well be that United are targeting Bradley.
(Image: Getty)
15:35STEVEN RAILSTON
4′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Onana makes a save
Liverpool sliced through United like butter and Onana was called into action. He made a brilliant save and it’s been an enthralling start between these rivals at Old Trafford.
15:33SAMUEL LUCKHURST
3′ – MUN 0-0 LIV – Fernandes’ pass was poor
That is so poor from Fernandes. We had a great view of that and knew before the flag went up it would go up as the pass was needlessly delayed. Garnacho cannot be blamed for that.
Like the cup game and last
season, United have made a fast start. Now they need to ensure they score first, as they did in both games. And as I type that, Szbozslai could and should score. It is not going to be quiet today.
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
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