Manchester United demonstrated the spirit that has been missing under new manager Ruben Amorim to earn a superb point at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
United, attempting to avoid four straight league defeats for the first time since 1979, took a shock lead when Lisandro Martinez powered a finish high past Alisson after 52 minutes.
Liverpool were level seven minutes later when Cody Gakpo scored with a superb angled drive before all United's good work looked to be in vain.
Mohamed Salah equalled Thierry Henry's tally of 175 Premier League goals from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left after handball was awarded against at Matthijs de Ligt following a video assistant referee intervention.
United were not to be denied, however, and Amad Diallo scored another big goal after his winner at Manchester City when he turned home Alejandro Garnacho's cut-back.
Harry Maguire could have won the game for United with almost the final kick but he blazed Joshua Zirkzee's bobbled pass over the bar from 12 yards.
United arrived at Anfield in a Merseyside blizzard - with most fearing they were walking into a Liverpool hurricane.
Instead, United were resilient, determined and only that shocking last-ditch miss by Maguire denied them a win that would have topped even their triumph in the Manchester derby.
United stood up to the challenge presented by a Liverpool side threatening to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points, a sign of their improvement shown by the fact they will be disappointed not to claim all three points.
This was easily their best performance under Portuguese manager Amorim, who also deserves credit for stiffening United's midfield with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, who worked well alongside the promptings of captain Bruno Fernandes.
It looked like they would suffer the agony of defeat when Salah put Liverpool in front but United's response was outstanding, not only getting that equaliser but looking just as likely as the league leaders to snatch a late winner.
United and Amorim have come under heavy and justified criticism in recent weeks, but both manager and players can take huge heart and confidence from this display.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in the headlines this week as Real Madrid made an audacious bid to take him to the Bernabeu in January.
Liverpool rejected the move out of hand as speculation continues to surround the England defender about an end-of-season free transfer to La Liga.
Head coach Arne Slot was at pains to insist Alexander-Arnold has not been affected by the talk, but his cause was not helped by his hapless display against United.
The visitors preyed on Alexander-Arnold's defensive weakness throughout, launching regular raids down Liverpool's right flank, while his usual strong point of passing was also horribly wayward.
It was a poor pass by Alexander-Arnold that led to Martinez's opener while Diallo's equaliser originated on his flank.
Alexander-Arnold was shown a yellow card three minutes after Diallo's goal and it was almost a merciful release when he was replaced by Conor Bradley shortly after.
Liverpool were never at their best against this hugely improved United and were grateful for Maguire's late miss that spared them only their second league loss this season.
Slot's team are still in a commanding position, six points clear at the top with a game in hand on Arsenal, but this was not a Liverpool at their barnstorming best.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1204 HRS, JAN 06, 2025
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