Draw at Old Trafford, The Reds Failed to Return to the Top of the Standings

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Liverpool failed to return to the top of the standings after only drawing 2-2 at home to Manchester United in the English League or Premier League match, Sunday (7/4/2024), at Old Trafford Stadium.

The Reds, nicknamed Liverpool, took the lead through Luis Diaz's goal. However, MU succeeded in turning things around and took the lead thanks to goals scored by Bruno Fernandes and Kobie Mainoo. Liverpool avoided defeat thanks to a goal scored by Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot.

This result made Liverpool's determination to win and return to the top of the standings fail to materialize. Now Liverpool is in second place with a collection of 71 points, the same as Arsenal, who are the leaders of the standings. The day before, Arsenal beat hosts Brighton and Hove Albion, 3-0.

Now, Liverpool and Arsenal are separated by goal difference. Arsenal is ahead on goal difference by 51 while Liverpool is 42.

This draw means MU has not moved from sixth position with 49 points. They are six points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. They are also still 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

MU suffered a very painful defeat in the middle of last week. They gave up 3-4 against Chelsea. Even though previously they had led. Cole Palmer's two goals during injury time burying MU's hopes of getting points at Stamford Bridge.

In the match against Liverpool at home, MU coach Erik ten Hag used a 4-2-3-1 formation. Striker Rasmus Hojlund is the sole attacker on the front line.

This player from Denmark will be supported by the trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Casemiro and Kabbie Mainoo duet in midfield.

At the back, the Dutch coach fielded the duo Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire as a duo at the heart of the defense. They will be accompanied by Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right and Diogo Dalot on the left. The position of goalkeeper is entrusted to Andre Onana.

In the Liverpool camp, coach Jurgen Klopp brought the trio of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz in the front row.

They are supported by a midfield line filled with Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai. The defense line was entrusted to Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk and Andi Robertson. They guard goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Reds indeed lost 3-4 in their last away match in the FA Cup semifinals at home to MU. Liverpool also failed to beat the Red Devils in their two previous meetings this season. But this time, Klopp's troops are favorites to win.

MU was actually able to break through Liverpool's goal when the match had just started. Rasmus Hojlund's fast running action managed to take advantage of the pass. He managed to put the ball into the goal, but the referee decided he was trapped off side.

Liverpool had a dangerous chance not long after. However, Dominik Szoboszlai's attempt to receive Salah's pass failed to meet the target.

Liverpool took the lead in this match thanks to a goal scored by Luis Diaz in the 23rd minute. Starting from Szoboszlai's corner kick, Darwin Nunez headed the ball straight towards Luiz Diaz. This player from Colombia did not waste the ball he got and beat goalkeeper Andre Onana.

In the 28th minute, MU had a chance. A pass was then met by Casemiro with a header towards the front of the goal. However, no one responded to the Brazilian player's pass.

In the 33rd minute, Liverpool almost increased their lead when Salah met Luis Diaz's pass. However, the Egyptian player's shot was blocked by Onana.

Not long after, Liverpool had another chance. This time, Darwin Nunez fired a shot from outside the penalty box. However, the ball flew over the bar. Salah threatened MU's goal again in the 36th minute. His shot also sailed over the bar.

In the 42nd minute, Liverpool had another chance through a counterattack. Receiving a pass from the right wing, Darwin Nunez let the ball pass so his partner could execute the ball. Luis Diaz took advantage of this condition by kicking the ball. However, the ball hit Dalot's body.

Liverpool continued to bombard MU's defense in the final minutes of the first half. However, MU's defense was able to prevent it from becoming a goal. The score 1-0 for Liverpool's advantage lasted until the first half ended.

Entering the start of the second half, both MU and Liverpool had not made any substitutions. MU was able to equalize in the 50th minute thanks to a goal from Bruno Fernandes. The goal started from Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah's imperfect mistake when passing to his partner in front of the goal line.

The ball was then stolen by Bruno Fernandes who immediately directed the ball into the goal and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher couldn't stop who was already advancing. The score changed 1-1.

In the 55th minute, Liverpool had a golden opportunity. Following a counterattack, Darwin Nunez received a pass in front of the goal. However, his left foot shot only made the ball pass in front of the goal.

MU turned ahead in the 67th minute. Through counter-attacks, MU made several passes at Liverpool's goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka then controlled the ball and gave it to Mainoo. This young player then kicked the ball towards the top corner and Kelleher couldn't reach it.

In the 78th minute, Liverpool had another golden opportunity. Salah fired a shot straight into the goal mouth. However, his attempt was thwarted by Onana who managed to parry the ball.

Liverpool's attempt to equalize was realized in the 84th minute. The goal came from a foul committed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka on substitute Hervey Elliot in the penalty box.

Wrongly appearing as the penalty taker, this former Chelsea player kicked the ball with his left foot and managed to outwit Onana. The score changed to 2-2.

Both teams were involved in a permanent attack on each other until the match was over. However, no additional goals occurred.

Lineup:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Willy Kambwala, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot; Casemiro, Kabbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund
Coach: Erik ten Hag

Liverpool (4-3-3): Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Andi Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo. Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz
Coach: Jurgen Klopp