Five things we learned from thrilling Anfield draw

And so it was United headed to Anfield for the 216th competitive meeting between the Reds of Manchester and Merseyside. 
One at their highest ebb, one at their lowest: one side gunning for a record-equalling title, the other breaking records of the wrong sort. 

Yet come full time in the latest epic in this long and grueling struggle for supremacy, United had restored pride. We had almost snatched victory with the last kick of the game through Harry Maguire, but there was lots to be positive about.

We take a look at what we learned from a generational all timer at Anfield.

United were good... very good

This was not the first time United went into a game against one of our traditional rivals fearing the worst. Yet this side have an uncanny knack of raising their game when the occasion demands it. Just as we were before May's FA Cup final against the mob from across the city, United were written off. No one gave us a chance against the best side in the land, a team storming towards...no, I can't bring myself to admit it. 
Where has this United team been all season? We matched this mighty Liverpool side shot for shot, step for step. Manuel Ugarte totemic in midfield. Lisandro Martinez imperious in defence, Amad the man for the big occasion again. Kobbie Mainoo pressing and harrying for all he's worth. Even the much-maligned Diogo Dalot was a player transformed. United were brave, committed and played with a spirit and desire conspicuous in absentia all season. It begs the question... why can't we play like this every week?

Amorim's full week of training reaps rewards

For the first time since Ruben Amorim was appointed, the United manager had a full week in training with the players. There was no midweek game and six days between the Newcastle and Liverpool matches. The additional time spent at Carrington was firmly in evidence at Anfield. There was a structure, a blueprint, and everything United did seemed better. Quicker. Sharper. Less fear. More organised, more in tune with the manager's ideology. It's clear Amorim needs time more than anything else - to cook like that in the old enemy's backyard after only a week takes some doing and shows we may finally have the  right man for the job. It was a far cry from the rudderless, confused mess this lot have served up in recent weeks. 

Consistency is key

Having upset the odds with our finest performance of the season against the Scousers, United have to build on this. This cannot be a 'raise our game for Liverpool' type-performance, this cannot be yet another false dawn. It has to be the norm, the standard by which these players are judged. They have made a rod for their own back now. Our magnificent, uplifting heroics at Anfield need to be the catalyst for a strong run of form. We go to Arsenal in the FA Cup next Sunday then it's three homes games - against Southampton, Brighton&Hove Albion and Rangers, all winnable and the perfect opportunity to build momentum. Amorim said he was 'mad and upset' despite this brilliant draw because the team have not shown anywhere near the same level in other matches - a sentiment echoed by United fans up and down the land. It was the same after the win at the Etihad - now we kick on and move forwards.

Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte shine

United's ramshackle midfield was damningly and brutally exposed by Newcastle United last time out. Without suspended string-pullers Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, ageing and laboured duo Casemiro and Eriksen were torn apart. There was a yawning imbalance and a huge lack of energy and intensity, but Amorim solved that problem by restoring Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte to his side at Anfield. 

Not only did we look immediately more solid and disciplined, but we had as much of the ball as Liverpool and we seemed much more structured. United have found their new long term midfield pairing.

Martinez immense but de Ligt must improve

It has been a difficult season for Lisandro Martinez, but United's butcher was back to his immense best here. He put us ahead and into dreamland with a superb finish, and kept Mo Salah quiet at the back. It was one of his best games in a United shirt, and like his colleagues needs to be the catalyst for consistent improvement.
Speaking of which, two clumsy moments from Mathijs de Ligt proved costly. The Dutchman did not have a bad game overall, but jumped into a challenge to allow Cody Gakpo the equaliser. He can consider himself unlucky for the penalty as the ball deflected on to his elbow from two yards away but - with the impressive Leny Yoro knocking on the door - de Ligt is under pressure for his place.