Manchester United player ratings: Five encouraging 8/10s but two 5/10s vs Liverpool FC can't be ignored

Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez gave Manchester United reason to be optimistic as they held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Ruben Amorim made three changes to his starting line up from the side that lost against Newcastle, with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both recalled after suspension while Kobbie Mainoo earned a start after his impressive impact from the bench earlier in the week.

United were much improved throughout the encounter but found themselves under a barrage of early pressure as Cody Gakpo fired wide of goal and Alexis Mac Allister forced a fine block from Andre Onana. It was they who had the best chance of the opening stages though when Amad Diallo headed the ball back out of the box from only a few yards away after a superb cross from Diogo Dalot.

It was clear to see United benefitted from a rare midweek off as they kept their defensive shape superbly against the league leaders but were let down by a lack of cutting edge in the final third. They should have possibly led going into half-time as well when Rasmus Hojlund fired a tame effort straight at Alisson Becker.

It didn't take long for the second half to spark into life though. United took a deserved lead when Lisandro Martinez latched onto a superb pass from Fernandes and rifled an effort in off the underside of the bar, but the lead barely lasted six minutes before Gakpo equalised with a thunderous strike.

Liverpool were lifted by the goal and soon completed their comeback when Mohamed Salah smashed a penalty beyond Onana after a clumsy handball in the box by Matthijs de Ligt. United had shown excellent character throughout the clash and soon had an equaliser of their own when substitute Alejandro Garnacho raced down the left-wing and crossed low to Amad to draw his side level.

There was almost an incredible last-second winner when Harry Maguire blazed a shot over the bar, but United were well worth their point against the Premier League leaders. Here is how we rated the United players at Anfield:

Andre Onana - 7

Produced an excellent stop to deny Mac Allister what seemed a certain goal. He almost managed to keep out Salah's penalty kick and made some big stops in stoppage time.

Matthijs De Ligt - 5

A fine first half and an awful second half. He was guilty of diving in too quickly for the Gakpo goal, booked for a silly foul and conceded a needless penalty.

Harry Maguire - 7

Another show of real leadership in the heart of the United defence. He made crucial contributions at both ends of the pitch but should have won it at the very end.

Lisandro Martinez - 8

A fine defensive performance and some good passes to carve open the Liverpool defence. He was excellent for the opening goal of the match.

Noussair Mazraoui - 7

The type of performance we have come to expect from him. He was lively on the right-wing and defended reasonably well throughout.

Manuel Ugarte - 8

He is becoming more important by the week. He was both combative and aggressive in midfield plus he added lots of energy. He was slightly at fault for Gakpo's goal but redeemed himself with an important interception.

Kobbie Mainoo - 8

This was the Mainoo we saw so often last season. He was electric in the heart of the midfield and posed a threat in attack.

Diogo Dalot - 6

He had plenty of joy against Trent Alexander-Arnold on the left wing but lacked finesse in the final third. No complaints about his booking.

Amad Diallo - 7

It was a rather quiet performance until his well-taken equaliser. He kept the ball well but had lacked threat in the final third before then.

Bruno Fernandes - 8

A key reason why United had so many moments of calmness and control. He worked hard and grabbed a superb assist, plus played a key role in their second.

Rasmus Hojlund - 5

A few fine moments of movement in the final third but he ultimately had to do better with the chances that fell his way.

Alejandro Garnacho - 8

He played with purpose on the left wing and grabbed an excellent assist to draw his side level. A lazy offside in stoppage time.

Leny Yoro - 7

He was calm and composed on the ball and helped United to keep possession. An incredible challenge in the dying moments to deny a possible goal.

Joshua Zirkzee - 6

He didn’t have enough time to make his mark on the match but was welcomed to rapturous applause by those in the away end.