Who was United’s Man of the Match v Liverpool?

Sunday 05 January 2025 20:45

Manchester United held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield — with both sides going ahead at different stages in the game — and you’ve been voting for your Man of the Match since the referee’s final whistle.

Heading in level at the break, the game truly came alive in the second half. Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring with a rocket of an effort into the roof of Alisson’s net that any out-and-out striker would have been proud of, but it wasn’t long until United were pegged back by a Cody Gakpo finish.

Things looked to go from bad to worse when Matthijs de Ligt was penalised for a handball in our box and Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert the penalty, but Amad ensured we rescued something from the game when he turned home Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross.

An eventful affair on Merseyside, but who did you vote as our top performer? Keep scrolling to find out…

Martinez: We played with more freedom Video

Martinez: We played with more freedom

Goalscorer Lisandro Martinez says United played with more belief and freedom at Anfield, and must take that forward…

Earning a majority 33 per cent of the fan vote, our captain, Bruno Fernandes, walks away with our Man of the Match award from Sunday afternoon’s contest.

The Portugal international was suspended for our clash with Newcastle United earlier in the week, so his return to the centre of the pitch was felt greatly in this Anfield contest.

The midfield maestro is known for his creative output, and it was on display here, with the 30-year-old creating the most chances (four) and completing the most dribbles (three) in the game.

Not only that, he also provided a physical presence to Amorim’s side, winning the most duels (11) of anybody on the pitch.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the skipper said: “I think, finally, I had a good performance overall and I needed to. I said before the game I think we need much more from ourselves to get something from this season. We need to put some pride out because it’s not enough for us.”

Fernandes was not the only one to give a good account of himself on Merseyside, and the vote reflected that. Coming in a respectable second place with 21 per cent of the vote was fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The Uruguayan is known for adding steel to the midfield unit — which he certainly did today, making the most tackles (three) in the game — but his passing was also on point, keeping things ticking in the middle of the park.

Taking home the bronze medal in this poll, only marginally behind Ugarte with 20 per cent, goalscorer Amad received the third-most votes on this occasion.

Much like our win over Manchester City last month, his goal proved to be decisive in the result, popping up in the right place, at the right time, to guide Garnacho’s cross beyond Alisson, securing a point in the process.

Congratulations, Bruno! Thank you to everyone who voted.