Their worst start to a season since 1989, their confidence seemingly on the changing room floor, by any one’s standards, Manchester United were ripe for the taking. Their opponents Liverpool, flying high in the league and on the crest of a Champions league wave, yet again faltered on the Old Trafford stage.
Incredibly the visitors haven’t notched up an away victory since 2014 – a 3-0 victory for a Brendan Rodgers led side. Despite their opponents trials and tribulation in recent times, United still seem to have Liverpool’s number when it comes to playing at The Theatre of Dreams.
Klopp’s side were all set to register their record-equalling 18th Premier League win. Solskjaer, ever the manager staring down the barrel of the gun, was bullish in the face of a possible post game sacking – “this is the perfect game for us” he commented, probably drawing laughs from sections of the media.
It must be said, United were a far better outfit than previous matches this term.
The season started so brightly for the Norwegian, however, a thumping opening 4-0 win over Chelsea has been followed by miserable defeats to Palace, West Ham and Newcastle. Even with Mo Salah on the sidelines, Liverpool were set to pull their fierce opponents apart.
Knowing that the Reds’ front three could easily have a field day, Solskjaer opted for tactics that made his introduction as United manager so successful. Knowing his side had pace to burn, if lacking in the quality department, the home side sat deep and let the Mersysiders come on to them. With the likes of Pereira in fiery pressing mode, Liverpool could be picked off on the counter attack.
Armed with a new 3-4-1-2 system, United started like an feral animal backed into a corner. And boy was it not a pretty game. Liverpool were dragged into a dog fight, under such intensity, the league leaders looked out of ideas.
Just as the headlines looked to be themed around Manchester United’s never say day attitude, Liverpool’s winning habits shined through as they snatched a late equaliser – despite not being at their best, they well and truly ‘did a Manchester United’ over their opponents.
Andrew Robertson, ever the nuisance on the attacking flanks, crossed low from the left. Being his sides only real danger-man throughout, all eyes were on Roberto Firmino in the middle.
Like an unfancied Grand National horse bringing up the rear, forgotten man (in every sense of the word) Adam Lallana, swooped in at the back post to sweep past David de Gea. After a couple of years blighted by injury, it was a truly magnificent moment for the former Southampton midfielder – indeed, it was his his first goal since his sides 3-0 Anfield win over Middlesbrough in May 2017.
It was true sucker-punch for the home contingent. Not only were their side set for a massive confidence winning victory over their most hated enemies, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain almost popped up in injury time to claim a win when he fizzed a shot inches past a post.
United’s spirit and guile impressed, still, that fact they still sit 2 points above the relegation zone and have tricky away games at serial scalp claiming Bournemouth and Norwich to come, it seems Solskjaer is still a dead man walking.