Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has heaped praise on the Red Devils following their 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
Neville labelled the display against the Premier League leaders their “best performance under Ruben Amorim by a mile,” and that it surpasses anything United have achieved this season, including their recent win over Manchester City.
Following a goalless first half, it was Lisandro Martinez who unexpectedly ignited the second half with a thunderous strike to give United the lead.
Liverpool quickly responded, with Cody Gakpo equalising and Mohamed Salah converting a penalty after a Matthijs de Ligt handball.
However, it was Amad Diallo’s late goal that ensured the points were shared, capping off a resilient performance from United.
Despite United’s current struggles in the Premier League—sitting 13th on goal difference—the performance at Anfield showcased a level of intensity and cohesion rarely seen this season.
Comms Cam! 🎥@Carra23 and @GNev2 react to Liverpool's draw with Manchester United at Anfield 😨 pic.twitter.com/bLtq38Hkjx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Neville’s Analysis: Amorim’s Tactics Shine
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said, “It’s the best performance I think under Ruben Amorim, maybe all season by a mile. To come to Anfield, the best team in the league this year, surpasses that victory at (Manchester) City the other week.”
Neville praised United’s midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes, who he said outperformed Liverpool’s celebrated midfield of Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch.
“They controlled the midfield brilliantly. Liverpool’s midfield has been outstanding this season, but today, United’s trio stepped up and were magnificent from the first minute,” Neville added.
"It's the best performance under Ruben Amorim…" @GNev2 says Manchester United must keep their heads held high in the Premier League! 👑 pic.twitter.com/xfKdZw7hGU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Bruno Fernandes Calls for Consistency
Bruno Fernandes, who has struggled for form this season, delivered one of his best performances under Amorim. However, the Portuguese midfielder urged his teammates to build on this result, calling for consistency.
“We’ve been criticised fairly; we lost too many points,” Fernandes said. “Even today, we can’t be happy with the draw. If we show this against Liverpool, why can’t we do this every week?”
Fernandes also looked ahead to United’s upcoming fixtures, expressing his desire to maintain momentum as they prepare for a challenging FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
4 – Bruno Fernandes created four chances against Liverpool, the most by a Manchester United player in a Premier League match at Anfield that Opta has on record since 2003-04. Inventive. pic.twitter.com/89ofPMWItD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 6, 2025
