Well, we didn't get pumped. A very good draw. We'll take that.
Liverpool dominated as we expected, but it was a surprise point and clean sheet for United away at Anfield, as the Red Devils showed a resolution and character we've rarely seen this season.
Andre Onana was huge in net with some big saves, and a clear gulf of impact showed in the stats compared to David De Gea last season in the 7-0 loss.
Some Liverpool fans will argue that the xG of this game being so similar to last season's game is a little off, given that wayward shots do count towards xG. That's a fair point, but the counterpoint is don't be so wasteful. The 7-0 was a freak display of great finishing and triple the xG. This match was the opposite. Things balance themselves out in time.
United, surprisingly captained by Scott McTominay, played a disciplined defensive game that we've not seen from Erik Ten Hag at United until now. ETH is very set on His Way, which is fine, but with so many injuries and so many players out of form, it was about time we tried something different. Results matter. Playstyle comes second.
It wasn't all Liverpool's way either, though it was heavily their game in their hands. The best United chance fell from a good bit of one touch football that put Højlund in on goal with a great chance to snatch a win, but unfortunately the young Dane hit his shot straight at Alisson Becker. A more confident striker probably buries the chance, and whilst Rasmus has scored in the Champions League, a Premier League goal still eludes him - as do passes. Højlund had just four touches in the first half, and stats highlight him - and Martial - as the two strikers with the least passes received in the entire league: a damning indictment of United's creativity and build-up play.
Michael Oliver had to get his name out there at the end, with a quickfire double yellow to Diogo Dalot; first for protesting a throw-in was incorrectly given to Liverpool, and then for protesting his yellow card. VAR can't overrule in that situation, but the league should overturn any suspension that might follow.
Aside from that blip, United did the job. Resolute defending from a fresh Varane, partnered with the experience of Jonny Evans, kept United safe. Dalot put in a shift, and the composure of the midfield duo between Mainoo and Amrabat was very nice to see. Mainoo in particular - at just 18 - showing such calm on the ball away at the enemy, when your club is in a shit run of form and a crisis of confidence... top stuff.
The result means United finally have that draw they were lacking this season in the league, having been the only pro side remaining not to draw a league game. They're also the first side to take a point at Anfield in 2023 and the first side not to concede to them in general this calendar year. Decent that.
As a parting gift to the miser that is Virgil van Dijk, here's a reminder about who else celebrated a draw. Irks me to see a one season wonder mouthing off, and it irked Roy Keane so do check that out.
ohh anon i can speak so much on this bc i want jonny to work with andrew scott SO BAD
like a romcom or anything at this point but them opposite each other is a literal dream of mine and i have spoken about it so many times
and as far as directors go, i really want him to work with tom ford. tom’s directorial debut is one of my favourite films of all time, so i would cry if jonny works with him
THIS CANNOT GO TO WASTE PEOPLE LIKE HELLO
if you want a more in depth answer i recommend asking @kathanisgab bc she has a new director for jimone every week lmao
in terms of concept, i would love to see him do more comedy bc hes so good at it (a crashing hit tweet every other month proves it) but some angsty drama performance as well for awards and recognition he rightfully deserves (its sad that drama is the category that draws most attention tho)
also personally i want to see him sing live so a musical on stage would be great as well