Ruben Amorim and Bruno Fernandes each saw a reason to be angry after Manchester United produced an impressive performance to draw 2-2 with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Red Devils went into the contest at Anfield on the back of a four-game losing run in all competitions — one that had drawn significant criticism of the players’ efforts and even prompted their head coach to discuss relegation fears.
Yet United delivered an improved display against their arch-rivals, Amad Diallo scoring a late equaliser to secure a deserved point in difficult weather conditions on Merseyside. Indeed, they should arguably have claimed all three, Harry Maguire spurning a golden chance to win the contest in the dying seconds.
Captain Fernandes, who was the standout performer, admitted afterwards he was “pretty upset” following the game — not because of the result, but because the standards that he and his teammates reached was far higher than they have managed for much of the season.
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“We have been criticised and fairly,” he said to Sky Sports. “Our position in the table says it all: we have lost too many points. Even today, we can’t be happy with a point. We need the points and we could’ve won the game at the end, but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.
“I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me. Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.
“Being 2-1 [down] then scoring… it’s good to get a point, but we need more. Now we have an FA Cup tie at Arsenal and it is going to be very tough, but we want to get to the final again.”
Bruno Fernandes for Man Utd vs. Liverpool:
◉ Most touches (88)
◉ Most final third entries (12)
◉ Most duels won (11)
◉= Most possessions won (8)
◉ Most chances created (4)
◉ Most take-ons completed (3/3)
◉= Most fouls won (3)
◉ Most assists (1)He was superb. 👏 pic.twitter.com/C5mLXU8UTN
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) January 5, 2025
His head coach was equally angry at the fact his team have not replicated this level in previous games, such as the dispiriting home losses to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United.
“I get more mad because of the other games, so it’s even harder to understand some things,” Amorim said to Sky Sports. “This is not about the system, about the technique. It’s about something else. It’s hard to understand, even for the coach.
“They deserved the point, but it’s just one point. I think we should get mad, and disappointed, more than the other day against Newcastle and Nottingham. It’s hard not to get really mad.
“We have to do it against any opponent. We need to fight really bad to get out of this situation. The way we were really competitive — that is the crucial thing going forward. I’m happy for the performance, but not the result. But I’m really, really mad for the other games.”
