On a freezing Sunday in the northwest of England, Liverpool and Manchester United clashed in one of the most anticipated Premier League fixtures of the season. In a snowy Anfield, the match ended in an electrifying 2-2 draw during the 20th round of the 2024/2025 season. Despite adverse weather conditions, the game delivered thrilling moments, including Mohamed Salah’s historic achievement of equaling Thierry Henry’s record of 174 goals in the competition. Severe snow and freezing temperatures almost jeopardized the game, but the dedication of both teams and fans ensured the match went ahead.
The heavy snowfall in Merseyside before the kickoff cast doubts on the game’s feasibility. Streets were blanketed with thick layers of snow, while train stations and the local airport closures hindered fans’ travel to the stadium. Still, over 50,000 supporters packed the stands of Anfield. Adding to the pre-match atmosphere, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and Manchester United icon Gary Neville lightened the mood with a playful snowball fight during the live broadcast.
The harsh conditions directly influenced the dynamics of the match, with a wet and slippery pitch requiring players to be exceptionally focused and adaptive. Despite the challenges, both English football giants showcased their quality, with goals from Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo for the visitors, and Cody Gakpo and Salah for the hosts. The draw secured Liverpool’s top spot with 46 points, while Manchester United remained in 13th place with 23 points.
It ends level at Anfield. #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/vcWjjjMlzo
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 5, 2025
Historic rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is regarded as the most iconic in English football. Beyond the pitch, the competition reflects deep-seated regional, economic, and cultural divides. Liverpool symbolizes the industrial heart of the north, while Manchester United represents the prominence of Greater Manchester. Together, the two clubs boast a combined tally of 39 Premier League titles and 9 Champions League trophies, solidifying their dominance in British football.
Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, these matches have often been pivotal moments in the competition’s history. Memorable instances include Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick in 2011 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant performance in 2008. This year’s edition added another chapter to the storied rivalry, highlighted by Salah’s milestone and the teams’ resilience in overcoming challenging conditions.
Key moments of the game
- Gakpo misses early but scores later: At the 13th minute, Cody Gakpo missed a promising opportunity, sending the ball wide. Moments later, United’s goalkeeper Onana denied Mac Allister with a crucial save, keeping the scoreline level.
- Martínez strikes first: Early in the second half, Lisandro Martínez capitalized on a mistake by Alexander-Arnold and fired a shot into the top corner, giving Manchester United the lead.
- Salah’s decisive penalty: Following a handball by De Ligt in the penalty area, Salah calmly converted the penalty, cementing his place as the Premier League’s joint-seventh top scorer.
- Diallo equalizes: At the 34th minute, Amad Diallo secured the draw with a precise finish after a low cross from Garnacho.
Impact of weather conditions on the match
The intense snowfall played a critical role in shaping the match’s pace, making ball control and quick plays difficult. Players frequently slipped on the icy pitch, including Alexander-Arnold, whose error led to United’s opening goal. Moreover, reduced visibility and freezing temperatures tested the athletes’ physical and mental endurance throughout the 90 minutes.
Anfield’s grounds crew worked tirelessly to clear the snow and ensure safe playing conditions. However, fans faced significant challenges, with delayed transportation and icy roads complicating their journeys to the stadium.
Individual highlights and records
- Mohamed Salah: With his goal, Salah equaled Thierry Henry’s record of 174 Premier League goals, becoming the seventh-highest scorer in the competition’s history. He also reinforced his status as the top scorer in Liverpool-United clashes, with 16 goals.
- Cody Gakpo: The Dutch forward was pivotal, creating opportunities and scoring a stunning goal to equalize for Liverpool.
- Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo: For Manchester United, Martínez showcased his offensive prowess with a spectacular opener, while Diallo displayed composure to net the crucial equalizer.
Match statistics
- Possession: Liverpool 58% vs. Manchester United 42%.
- Shots: Liverpool 15 (8 on target) vs. Manchester United 10 (5 on target).
- Saves: Alisson (5), Onana (7).
- Fouls committed: Liverpool 12 vs. Manchester United 14.
Outlook for the season
The draw ensured Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record at Anfield this season, solidifying their claim to the Premier League title. Under Arne Slot’s guidance, the Reds are delivering consistent performances, driven by their offensive trio of Salah, Gakpo, and Luis Díaz, along with Van Dijk’s defensive leadership. Their next challenge is a League Cup semifinal against Tottenham, away from home.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, continues to navigate an inconsistent season. Struggling for stability, the Red Devils now prepare for a crucial FA Cup clash against Arsenal, where they aim to regain momentum.
Notable moments and curiosities
- The snowball fight between Carragher and Neville before the match became a viral moment on social media, bringing humor to a tense buildup.
- Alexander-Arnold and Lisandro Martínez’s intense duel throughout the match underscored their significance to their respective teams.
- This result marked the third consecutive Premier League draw between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, highlighting the balance between the two rivals.
The future of the rivalry
The draw reaffirmed the importance and unpredictability of this historic rivalry, which continues to captivate global audiences. With passionate fanbases and star-studded squads, Liverpool and Manchester United promise more unforgettable encounters in the future.
