Manchester United fought back for a deserved point against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday but can now sweat over the fitness of two players who started on Merseyside.
The Red Devils took the lead through Lisandro Martinez's thunderbolt and held on as goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead. A portion of the loot was won by Amad Diallo's smart finish into the bottom corner, after good work down the flank from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
united lined up with Rasmus Hojlund up front – the Dane preferred in the central attacking role over Joshua Zirzekee – and Matthijs de Ligt was one of three centre-backs to start alongside Martinez and Harry Maguire.
After a difficult encounter, Manchester Evening News revealed that Hojlund limped through the post-match mixed area – an area where journalists gather to speak to players after the match – while De Ligt left with what appeared to be ice on his leg.
A possible injury would bring further misery on De Ligt, who was responsible for conceding a penalty midway through the second half. The Dutchman swooped in to close down Alexis Mac Allister in the box when a cross came in, only to see his arm lashed out at the far post. Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder's header.
Salah did the rest from the spot, despite Andre Onana hitting his own penalty, but United were not to be denied on an afternoon where a number of players impressed. Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo all shone in midfield – arguably putting in their best performances of the season – while Martinez was also at his strong best in defence.
The display disappointed manager Ruben Amorim, however, with the Portuguese tactician somewhat perplexed as to why United have been unable to compete at such a high level in other games.
“I get angrier because of other games, so it's even harder to understand some things.” Amorimi said. “It's not about a system, technique, it's about something else and it's hard to understand for the coach.
“It's a point and I think we should be angry and disappointed more than what we did against Newcastle. We must be really disappointed and I need to calm down and say the right things. We are in a difficult moment. If we play against Liverpool every day we will, but we have to do it against every opponent. We have to fight hard to get out of this situation.
“The way we were really competitive, that's the main thing going forward. I'm happy with the performance, not happy with the result, but I'm really, really mad about the other games.”