'We are shocked!' - Man Utd legend hails Red Devils duo after dramatic Liverpool draw

Manchester United legend Roy Keane lauded Red Devils midfield duo Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for their role in Sunday’s dramatic draw against Liverpool.

It was the visitors that enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes as they dominated possession and the chances - but Jurgen Klopp’s side could only take a narrow lead into half-time as Luis Diaz’s strike separated the two sides at the interval. There was an element of surprise when the Red Devils got back on level-terms with a stunning long-range effort from Fernandes as he punished a misplaced pass from Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah. Former United captain Keane insisted the Fernandes’ exquisite technique means he is the only player in Erik ten Hag’s squad that could have punished the youngster for his error in such a manner and praised the Portugal star for his finish.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s huge mistake from the young defender but I think only Bruno could have finished that chance.  He’s anticipated the player playing blind passes, a really bad habit, but for Bruno to still punish him, the way he’s struck the ball, he’s got that technique, he is fantastic at it.  A gift, but only Bruno could have finished that.”

If there was an element of fortune about how Fernandes’ chance was presented to him, there was nothing lucky about Mainoo’s equaliser as the academy product continued to enhance his already lofty reputation with a stunning touch and finish that put his side in front for the first time in the game. The England midfielder collected a pass just inside the Liverpool penalty area and took a touch before curling beyond visitors keeper Kelleher in a goal that evoked memories of Federico Macheda’s strike against Aston Villa 15 years ago.

Of the strike, Keane said: “It’s not bad for a centre midfielder, is it? We’ve seen him scoring a few goals now but the key here is the first touch, again, his awareness, the quality of finish, brilliant.  It’s an amazing strike and we are shocked.  You’re thinking ‘can United win this game?’.  They couldn’t hang on.”

United were unable to hold on to claim what would have been a big win but will hope for better when they return to action on Saturday evening with a visit to Bournemouth.