A goalless draw at Anfield saw Liverpool miss the chance to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, as Manchester United held firm in a tense and tactical encounter.
The hosts started Darwin Nunez up-front, while Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz were on the wings. For the visitors, Rasmus Hojlund featured in attack with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony supporting on the flanks.
Liverpool came out the stronger of the two sides and looked to put pressure early on the Manchester United defence. However, United were content to sit deep and soak up the pressure, while threatening on the counter-attack.
In the second half, Liverpool created more and more chances but could not break down Manchester United’s defence. Jurgen Klopp’s side pushed throughout the game for a winner, but found Manchester United in resolute mood.
Erik ten Hag’s team might even have won it on the counter-attack had Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson not saved from Hojlund’s striker in the second half.
Then in stoppage time, Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot was shown a red card for dissent.
Neither side could find a breakthrough, leaving both teams frustrated with the result and the Premier League title story looking more exciting.
With a win, the Reds could have overtaken Arsenal, but Erik ten Hag’s resilient Red Devils proved to be a tough nut to crack under the Anfield lights.
All over, all square at Anfield 🤝#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/9EuFughysi
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 17, 2023
Liverpool missed the chance to move back to the top of the Premier League as Manchester United held them to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. They drop to second on the Premier League table while Manchester United are seventh.
Liverpool play West Ham in a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, while Manchester United also play West Ham next in the Premier League, on Saturday.
Sunday’s Premier League results
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa
West Ham 3-0 Wolves
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United.
