Liverpool went to Old Trafford and returned with a point, but it was so close to being three.
Jurgen Klopp had a few defensive selection issues to deal with after the debacle over Joel Matip’s availability and an injury to Nathaniel Clyne. As expected, Ragnar Klavan started at centre half and perhaps more surprisingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold got the nod at right back.
Phillipe Coutinho started on the bench but Jordan Henderson was able to be included in the starting line up for the first time since going off injured against Manchester City.
Liverpool took a first half lead via a James Milner penalty after Paul Pogba’s handball and for a long, long time that looked like it’d be the winner.
Both sides spurned chances to score before Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s neat header got the hosts level about six minutes from time.
The result saw Liverpool move back into third place, leapfrogging Arsenal.
Here are my player ratings from the game:
Simon Mignolet - 8
Made some very, very good saves to keep United at bay. Got a bit lucky when a clearance hit Ibrahimovic but the ball back to him was a shocker. Very good game by the Belgian.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5
Had a really, really difficult first half where he looked all at see, which is understandable. Looked a bit better after the break.
Dejan Lovren - 8
Had a few iffy moments early on but was magnificent from that point on, even playing on a yellow card that was terribly given to him. Was a nuisance in United’s box too. Pogba only got near him once and that was to hand ball it!
Ragnar Klavan - 6
Tried to play Mkhitaryan offside at one point and thankfully Mignolet bailed him out. Got badly beaten in a 50/50 by Fellaini later on which left Klopp furious. He generally played well but as he has done recently, he let himself down by switching off a couple of times.
James Milner - 8
A very good game from the left back. Looked good in defence and in attack. His penalty was never in doubt, he’s the best penalty taker Liverpool have had in 15 years.
Jordan Henderson - 8
Not 100% but ran his socks off and Liverpool looked much better with him in the side. He moves the ball quickly and wins it back so often too. Great game from the returning skipper.
Emre Can - 7
Battled hard and was trying to get forward as often as possible. Still a bit slow with the ball at times which allows him to be pressed and de-possessed.
Gini Wijnaldum - 7
Looked really good again. His use of the ball is great and he’s so physical and powerful. He plays like a man much bigger in stature. He had a couple of good chances to score at the back post after getting into good areas but failed to really test De Gea when he really should have hit the target.
Adam Lallana - 7
Another who ran himself into the ground, this time from a more advanced position. Pressed well as usual and had some nice touches but failed to dictate the game like he can from deeper.
Roberto Firmino - 7
Started wide and did well but looked much better playing centrally when Coutinho came on. Another who works so hard. Forced the corner from which Pogba handled. Possibly lucky not to get sent off when he reacted to Herrera’s shirt pull. The Spaniard did him no favours by holding his face, luckily the ref only gave a yellow card.
Divock Origi - 6
Ran the channels well when needed but other than that, was fairly innocuous before he was subbed off.
(SUB) Philippe Coutinho - 7
Came on when Liverpool were under the cosh and immediately settled things down. Had some wonderful touches. United couldn’t get near him.