Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: Man of the Match and Player Ratings

United held their in-form opponents to a goalless draw at Anfield.

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Manchester United in their Premier League game on Sunday. Despite dominating the game, Jurgen Klopp’s men were not able to edge out their arch-rivals on home soil.

What happened?

An underwhelming display from Liverpool’s attacking line allowed United to maintain their defensive integrity throughout the first period. Andre Onana made a brilliant save to deny Virgil van Dijk in the 28th minute as the Red Devils grew more confident toward half-time.

Liverpool significantly increased the pace of the game when the next half started. Alexander-Arnold came inches away from scoring the opener in the 66th minute, but his strike went narrowly wide of the post.

Onana continued his solid performance in the final 20 minutes when Liverpool’s pressure peaked from both flanks. The Reds mostly relied on crosses to reach the box, as United didn’t allow any breach of their defensive lines. But this strategy didn’t work as Liverpool forwards lost most of the aerial duels.

The referee sent off Diogo Dalot with a second yellow card after the Portuguese star protested his decision to give Liverpool a throw-in in the 94th minute. But it was already too late for the Reds to push for the match-winner.

Man of the Match

Andre Onana probably made his best performance to date for Manchester United as they held Liverpool to a goalless draw. The Cameroon international made eight saves to prevent the Reds from maintaining their place at the top of the Premier League table.

Andre Onana’s game by numbers vs. Liverpool:

57 touches
17 long balls completed
8 saves
5 saves from shots inside the box
1/1 aerial duels won
1/1 successful run outs

Kept it at 0-0. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/6DsqF9iUK0
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 17, 2023

Liverpool vs Manchester United Player Ratings

Liverpool: Alisson (7); Alexander-Arnold (9), Konate (7), Van Dijk (8), Tsimikas (7); Szoboszlai (7), Endo (7), Gravenberch (7), Salah (8), Nunez (7), Diaz (6).

Bench: Gomez (7), Gakpo (6), Jones (6), Elliot (6).

Manchester United: Onana (9); Dalot (7), Varane (7), Evans (7), Shaw (7); Amrabat (5), McTominay (7), Mainoo (7); Antony (6), Hojlund (5), Garnacho (5).

Bench: Rashford (6), Mejbri (5), Pellistri (5).