Manchester United returned to the scene of the crime and removed all evidence of the spinelessness and unprofessionalism that besmirched their last appearance at Anfield. Erik ten Hag’s team were defiant, disciplined and unified, everything they were not in the 7-0 rout in fact, in taking a point against Liverpool. United made a point, too: the dressing room still plays for its manager.
United became the first team to stop Liverpool winning at Anfield this season and the first to prevent Jürgen Klopp’s side scoring since Chelsea held them to a goalless draw in April. Liverpool could have set a club record of scoring in 35 consecutive games in all competitions but, against a defence marshalled expertly by Raphaël Varane, were found wanting here with the final ball or decision. Diogo Dalot’s dismissal for two shows of dissent in quick succession came too late to take advantage.
