Injury ravaged Manchester United hold Liverpool to a goalless draw
Liverpool was held to a goalless draw at Old Trafford by Manchester United but move a point clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Three first-half injuries for Manchester United and an injury to Roberto Firmino dashed the hopes of an entertaining clash between the two rivals of English football.
Man United started the match with bad luck that they could not have been anticipated in one of their clashes against their biggest rivals. Ander Herrera and Juan Mata limped off during the first 25 minutes of the match, with Rashford seeming to continue with a knock. Andreas Perreira and Jesse Lingard came on to replace the Spanish midfielders, respectively. Roberto Firmino also injured his ankle as he attempted a pass to Salah and then was replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
The best chance of the first half fell to Jesse Lingard who was released through on goal by a clever ball from Lukaku, but Allison Becker stretched his arm to full stretch and stopped Lingard, who seemed to be injured and was replaced by Sanchez before halftime.
After the interval, Solskjaer’s men tried hard to attack Liverpool with their home support fully behind them but they could not master clear-cut chances against the Liverpool defence.
Liverpool, on the other hand, were not at their fluid best, as they had to deal with a resolute Man United defence. Klopp substituted his captain Henderson for Xherdan Shaqiri but the Swiss man could not find a way past the United defence.
Salah who had been kept quiet by the impressive Luke Shaw was substituted for Origi who saw little of the ball during the last few minutes. The Red Devils thought they took the lead after Matip had turned the ball into his own net from Smalling’s cross before being ruled out correctly for offside.
Chris Smalling had the best chance to give the lead to United as he failed to connect his leg to a beautiful cross from Lukaku.
What does the result mean for both teams?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be pleased to come away with a point after his team succumbed so many injuries against the league leaders, although they drop out of the top 4.
Liverpool fail to go 3 points clear on the top of the table but instead they will feel relieved to come with a point from Old Trafford a stadium which has not been a happy hunting ground for them.
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What’s Next for both teams?
Both United and the Reds will be back in action on Wednesday night, with United travelling to Crystal Palace and Liverpool hosting Watford.