Five things noticed: Liverpool 0-0 Man United (Premier League)

Manchester United came away from Anfield with a deserved point after Erik ten Hag’s men drew 0-0 with Liverpool in the Premier League.

The first half started with Liverpool very much on top of a nervy Manchester United, however, they could not make their early pressure count, with Erik ten Hag‘s men growing into the game. By half-time, the deadlock had not been broken.

The second half saw United attack the Kop end after Scott McTominay made the smart decision of switching sides, with Liverpool not playing in their usual halves at home.

Read More: Player Ratings – Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United (Premier League)

The second half was certainly more entertaining, with Rasmus Højlund and Facundo Pellsitri both having good chances, but the 0-0 draw was an ultimately fair result and reflection of the performances.

Diogo Dalot was sent off in the final moments for descent in what can only be described as a joke of a decision.

Here are five things noticed from the Premier League game.

#1 – McTominay more important than ever

In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, Ten Hag handed Scott McTominay the armband after a series of good performances.

In the summer, McTominay was halfway to completing a £30 million move to West Ham which never quite materialised, and many thought his time at the club would be up – but having started the last 12 games in a row for the club and captain in Fernandes’ absence, Ten Hag’s reliance on the player has never been higher.

#2 – Mainoo has Ten Hag’s trust

Kobbie Mainoo certainly has the trust of Erik ten Hag, despite being just 18 years of age. Mainoo’s first three starts have come away to Everton, Newcastle, and Liverpool, three of the toughest grounds to be an away player in.

Granted, he probably would not be starting if either Mason Mount or Christian Eriksen were not injured, but the fact is he did, with Ten Hag happy to play him in a high-responsibility midfield role alongside Sofyan Amrabat.

He was fantastic considering the context and was not afraid to show his abilities, with some good passes, including a great through ball for Alejandro Garnacho, who could not get his shot off before Trent Alexander-Arnold got a vital touch to end the move.

#3 – Amrabat might not be worth it

Amrabat, a little like Mainoo, is likely only played because of injuries – it’s not hard to guess that Casemiro would be starting if he was able to. United signed him for a loan fee of £8.5 million with a £25 million option, and so far, he has not proven that that option should be triggered.

Amrabat received a yellow card in the first half, which is never a good thing to have at Anfield, and in general, he looked weak, indecisive, and for the most part, second-best against whoever he was against Liverpool’s midfield.

#4 – Comfortable defending crosses

Manchester United dealt with Liverpool’s crosses very well for the most part, with Jurgen Klopp’s side seeing little joy.

Raphaël Varane, in particular, was fantastic, showing Ten Hag that he deserves his place in the team after being dropped for the last month or so.

Jonny Evans also deserves praise alongside André Onana, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot, who was unfairly sent off in the final moments.

#5 – Take the point and run

Manchester United taking a point away from Anfield when many thought they would suffer a beating is a fantastic result.

United were not great on the day, and Liverpool were not their best either, but a great defensive performance led to a thoroughly deserved point.