Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Analyzing the disappointing draw

A disappointing result for Liverpool fans on Sunday as the match ended with a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Many fans will feel that was a game we should've won, as the Reds dominated the game with 28 total shots taken and 63% of the possession.

After coming off one of the wildest endings of the season, United had a lot to prove today, and we played as if we didn't.

The game opened up with a wonderful set piece play by Liverpool in the 23rd minute, as Darwin Nunez connected with the corner to play a pass to Luis Diaz, who had acres of space inside the box, allowing him to put one past United's keeper, Andre Onana.

While this was a wonderful play by our forwards, the amount of space Diaz had inside the box can only be attributed to some questionable defending by Manchester United.

The Liverpool attack was buzzing in the first half but more wasteful finishing meant they were not able to capitalize. This is becoming a worrying trend.

Jarell Quansah, who has consistently been a back-up center back for the Reds this season, made a crucial mistake which led to a rather simple strike by United's captain Bruno Fernandes to level the game in the 50th minute.

Quansah has been a solid option for us all season, and while this was an unfortunate mistake, I still believe we can count on him as a defender for the future, as he's only 21 years old.

After only about 15 more minutes of play, United went up thanks to the efforts of youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who hit a deadly shot from just inside the 18 yard box.

The build up play leading up to the goal had both our midfielders and defenders in shambles, which was shocking to see as we have been incredibly solid in both of those departments all season. The atmosphere and moment once again seemed to overwhelm the Reds.

It should be noted that with the absence of French center back, Ibrahima Konate, our back line was looking considerably more vulnerable.

Finally, the Reds were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute due to an extremely reckless tackle from fullback Wan-Bissaka on Harvey Elliott.

As many analysts have said, United has had some of the shakiest defending in the Premier League this season, and tackles like this and the one against Chelsea last time out have been costing them games, Fortunately for us, Mo Salah stepped up to the spot to bury the equalizer.

All in all, this was not a great performance for us, but we will have to accept the draw and move forward as we push ever closer to clinching the title, just on a new path.