Manchester United are alive. And suddenly, also, is the Premier League title race.

It may not involve United with their apparent relegation concerns and self flagellation but this was by far their best performance under Ruben Amorim. By far. Better than the dramatic win away to Manchester City.

And they could and probably should have won this one, also, with substitute Joshua Zirkzee squaring to Harry Maguire deep into injury time. Maybe Zirkzee should have shot. Instead he betrayed his lack of confidence and delivered a difficult pass to Maguire whose effort flew over.

Even so it was like watching a different team from the dismal defeat at home against Newcastle United last Monday, as they earned a remarkable and intense draw against the overwhelming favourites Liverpool.

Amorim has talked extensively about his refusal to change his approach and tactics and just as he appeared to be drowning in his own philosophy, here was a liferaft to cling to.

But he was angry also and legitimately questioned where this United has been hiding during their recent terrible run. He must have felt let down.

With this result Liverpool missed their own opportunity. They extended their lead at the top back to six points, with a game in hand, and undoubtedly remain the team to beat. But with Arsenal drawing at Brighton & Hove Albion they undeniably failed to capitalise.

Indeed there was deep frustration inside Anfield as to how, having turned this game around, they allowed United back in. Or, in fairness to United, how they forced their way back when it was expected they would buckle and the “fear of playing” that Amorim had talked about would grip them once again.

Indeed the gallows humour and memes were in overdrive as the snow and poor weather almost caused a postponement. There were a flurry of mocked-up images showing Amorim with a snow machine blowing onto the pitch.

And let’s be honest. No one arrived at this stadium or watched this game without thinking that Liverpool would not win at a canter and might even inflict a similar scoreline to the 7-0 humiliation dealt to United in March 2023.

United followed that by grinding out a goalless draw under Erik ten Hag on their last visit but, unlike then, this time they carried a serious goal threat and were far more positive. They came to win and nearly pulled it off and amid his annoyance it will be that attitude that will have pleased Amorim the most. A standard has been set.

It helped that Amorim could bring back into his midfield Manuel Ugarte – who was free of suspension and outstanding – to pair with Kobbie Mainoo instead of starting with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen who would have been run all over by Liverpool as they were by Newcastle. At last United had some energy which is so vital to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Also returning was captain Bruno Fernandes who is such a Marmite of a player. On this form he was more than palatable and while United were once again without the wantaway and apparently unwanted Marcus Rashford, who has been ill, there are strong green shoots of recovery from Alejandro Garnacho who is continuing to make an impact from the bench and brilliantly created Amad Diallo’s goal.

Within the epic nature of the contest, one that provided probably the best half of football we have seen this season in that thrilling second 45 minutes, there was an intriguing little subplot.

In front of the watching new England head coach Thomas Tuchel, and with Real Madrid attempting to sign him this month, it was a difficult afternoon for Trent Alexander-Arnold who was eventually substituted.

The right-back was undeniably defensively suspect as United attacked remorselessly down his side to earn both their goals. They targeted him and that is a stunning conclusion. England’s best player on this showing was Maguire who put his body on the line.

Chances were traded during the first period. United had two. Liverpool will point to five. An then it exploded into one of those superb end-to-end games where the shackles are off, both sides are going for it and no one can be sure of the outcome. The Premier League at its best. Two heavyweights which, given the lack of punch United have shown for so long, is a huge compliment to them.

United went in front through Lisandro Martínez – with Alexander-Arnold at fault twice with an intercepted pass and then failing to track – who finished high into the net from a tight angle and they equalised when Diallo swept home from Garnacho’s cut-back.

They were actually United’s first goals in this stadium in seven years and there could have been more and not just with Maguire’s effort. Diallo made a hash of a header in the first half and, rather like Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund lacks belief at present and never looked like scoring when he only had Alisson to beat.

In between the United goals Cody Gakpo struck with a fine finish and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in front from the penalty spot after a handball by Matthijs de Ligt who also had a tricky game. The spot-kick was rightly awarded after a VAR check and it was Salah’s 175th Premier League goal, drawing him level with Thierry Henry in seventh place on the all-time list.

But he was not the story. Not this time. Maybe it could have been Virgil van Dijk who should have headed in late on. Instead it was about Liverpool not getting away and United restoring some pride when it was feared they would be left embarrassed. “Liverpool top of the league,” chanted the home fans. They are and deservedly so and will probably be there come May but their charge has been delayed, a little, and United can take a win from that.

07:45 PM GMT

Carragher on Liverpool being more porous

07:43 PM GMT

Carragher on Real’s bid for Trent

07:30 PM GMT

Carragher: Alexander-Arnold’s game could not have gone much worse

07:26 PM GMT

An amusing slip of the tongue from Gary Neville

07:21 PM GMT

Amorim says this United performance makes him more mad about their previous efforts

07:09 PM GMT

Slot plays down Alexander-Arnold’s struggles

07:06 PM GMT

Slot a touch snide on United’s performance

06:57 PM GMT

Fernandes speaking on Sky after the game

06:50 PM GMT

Roy Keane on United’s showing

06:48 PM GMT

Watching the Maguire chance back...

It is actually a really poor pass from Joshua Zirzkee, not to kick a man while he is down. The ball bobbled and bounced into Maguire’s path and that contributed to him failing to get over it. A smoother contact on the pass may well have made it easier for Maguire, who had to take it on the half-volley.

06:45 PM GMT

Salah keeps up his record against United

06:41 PM GMT

Jamie Carragher talking on Sky

06:32 PM GMT

Alexander-Arnold walks down the tunnel with head bowed

You can click here for a full dissection of a day to forget for Liverpool’s right-back. It is said that Real Madrid are not that fussed about their full-backs defending, but even they are not that blasé.

06:29 PM GMT

FT: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

Nobody remotely expected that game, in any respect. United produce their best performance of the season by miles, and they struck a balance between limiting Liverpool and carrying a threat. They got in down Liverpool’s right time and again, with Alexander-Arnold enduring a stinker. Liverpool’s firepower got them out of jail somewhat in the second half, but United could easily have won the game with that Maguire chance. An opportunity missed for Liverpool, but they remain in control of the title race.

06:27 PM GMT

96 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

United have a free-kick near the corner after Robertson holds Amad unnecessarily... it is in a great crossing position. Maguire headed the ball down, but Liverpool cleared.

The ball comes straight back at Liverpool though, and Zirkzee is through in behind their defence with team-mates in support. The striker keeps his head and picks out the unmarked Maguire on the penalty spot, but he skews over the bar in front of a semi-open goal! He just had to keep it down.

What a chance for Maguire to win the game, but would VAR have ruled Zirkzee offside? This second half has had everything.

06:24 PM GMT

95 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

Robertson went over to take the inswinger from the right, Amad hooked away. Liverpool finally have some settled possession in United’s half, with Jota driving at the penalty area, but Maguire produces a big block. Robertson then passes the ball out for a throw to groans from the Anfield crowd.

06:23 PM GMT

93 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

United are not really playing for much in the league (if we assume no relegation doomsday scenario) so may as well keep swinging. Arsenal fans will be wanting them to sit in and take the point.

They play a raking switch out to Garnacho but the winger was offside. Liverpool play forward quickly and Salah’s shot is deflected behind for a Liverpool corner.

06:21 PM GMT

90 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

What a chance for Van Dijk from the resulting corner! Flicked on by Mac Allister at the near post but the big centre-half headed straight at Onana from six yards. Then a ball squirms across the Liverpool box at the other end.

Seven minutes of stoppage time to play. This has been one of the best Liverpool vs United games in the Premier League era.

United have exposed a Liverpool weakness on countless occasions. Would not be surprised if there is a winner... could be for either side.

06:19 PM GMT

89 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

Liverpool guilty of losing the ball cheaply in their own half, Konate this time. United win a corner which they take short, and Fernandes whips a shot at goal that was spilt by Alisson in what was almost a Dudek-esque mistake.

But the home team then counter at speed through Salah with United all at sea.... brilliant sliding challenge from Yoro on Nunez, then Jota stings the palms of Onana before Bradley almost beat the goalkeeper at his near post. A crazy passage.

06:15 PM GMT

86 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

The see-saw feel of this finale might pay dividends for Liverpool, but United are playing well in possession, moving the ball around smoothly, finding the free players.

Slot making a double sub: Bradley on for Trent, Elliott on for Gakpo. Zirkzee is stripped for United, and he will replace Hojlund. It would be some story if Zirkzee bagged the winner...

06:13 PM GMT

84 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

Amorim has replaced De Ligt with Yoro. Bradley still waiting to come on, presumably for Alexander-Arnold. Slot has delayed the change. United are still pushing bodies forward here, they are not shutting up shop.

06:11 PM GMT

82 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2

United streaming forward on the counter-attack again with Garnacho and Hojlund, but Van Dijk did brilliantly to delay the United winger and show him wide. The away team will take the corner though, punched clear by Alisson. Bradley is ready to replace Alexander-Arnold.

06:10 PM GMT

GOOOAALL! Amad with another big game goal

I spoke far too soon after Liverpool holding United at arm’s length: Amad has popped up with another key goal and Virgil van Dijk is screaming at his team-mates. Dalot the source of another attack, getting down the left with Alexander-Arnold forward.

The wing-back pulled a low cross back behind Van Dijk and Amad stole in front of Robertson to finish low beyond Alisson. Bedlam in the away end. 10 minutes plus stoppages for United to survive... or even find a winner?

06:07 PM GMT

78 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

The flag goes up for offside against Hojlund. United are struggling to recreate the chaos of the half’s early minutes, Liverpool are holding them at arm’s length. For now.

06:05 PM GMT

76 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

Liverpool starting to hound the United players in possession now, Mac Allister is everywhere. Nunez has bundled De Ligt over to concede a free-kick. The Liverpool forward is booked, he looked at the defender, and Nunez will now be suspended for the trip to Forest.

06:03 PM GMT

74 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

Liverpool have a free-kick in a shooting position for Alexander-Arnold. Maguire looked to have won the ball cleanly against Salah, and is furious with Oliver’s decision. The United defender is booked for his choice words with the referee. Salah takes the free-kick, clean hit, but just over the bar.

06:01 PM GMT

72 minutes: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

Amorim rolling the dice: the excellent Mainoo comes off, replaced by Garnacho. Fernandes will drop next to Ugarte in midfield. Anfield in full cry now, their team are heading eight points clear at the top of the table.

Not for the first time this season - or in their history - Liverpool in the second half at Anfield are a different animal, especially when kicking towards the Kop.

05:59 PM GMT

Salah squeezes his penalty under Onana!

The Manchester United goalkeeper guessed right, diving to his left, but Salah’s penalty went through his hands. Salah has now scored 13 Premier League goals against United. Should Onana have saved it?

05:58 PM GMT

PENALTY LIVERPOOL!

Michael Oliver points to the spot. United’s players protest but they do not really have a leg to stand on. Unfortunate for De Ligt, but you needed just one replay to see it was going to be a penalty.

Salah is going to take...

05:57 PM GMT

Huge appeals for a Liverpool penalty....

This will surely be a penalty for Liverpool: the ball struck De Ligt’s arm after it flicked off Mac Allister’s head. Little reaction time, but the arm was raised above his shoulder. Michael Oliver has been told to go over to the screen... we know what is coming.

05:55 PM GMT

65 minutes: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 1

United fans can breathe again as they see of a Liverpool inswinging corner. Mac Allister has been the home team’s best player, but that shot from 25 yards was too ambitious and it flew over the bar. Neutrals have been known to point out this fixture’s tendency to underwhelm, but this has been a great watch.

05:53 PM GMT

63 minutes: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 1

United’s turn to attack with Liverpool still looking unusually ragged. Konate’s defensive header was excellent and United cannot make the corner count. Then De Ligt drags Nunez down to stop a counter at the expense of a yellow card.

05:50 PM GMT

61 minutes: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 1

As well as United have done, you fear for them in this closing period. They just needed to hold the lead for another five or 10 minutes. Slot has made a couple of changes: Nunez and Jota on for Jones and Diaz.

05:49 PM GMT

GOOOAALL! Gakpo hits back for Liverpool

Mac Allister pokes a pass through to the Liverpool forward, who sends De Ligt for a hot dog in the penalty, chopping back inside on to his right foot and finding the roof of the net. Not a dissimilar finish to Martinez. Two cracking finishes. After a VAR check for offside, the goal stands.

Ladies and gentlemen, it will be a different game from here.... but United will still be attacking Liverpool’s right and fancying their chances.

05:47 PM GMT

59 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 1

United look threatening with every attack, so do they keep pushing or consolidate? They might not have a choice in the matter with Liverpool attacking the Kop end one goal down.

05:45 PM GMT

56 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 1

That is United’s first Premier League goal at Anfield in six years. Still an awful lot of time to play, but Slot will surely be considering changes. He might have to step back to step forward by introducing Gomez at right-back. Quick feet from Mainoo to win a foul in midfield.

More panic in the Liverpool defence: Alisson parries Mainoo’s low cross and Konate hammers out for a corner.

Every dangerous United attack has been down Liverpool’s right. No surprise that is where the goal comes from. Alexander-Arnold has not picked a good day to have a shocker defensively.

05:42 PM GMT

GOOOAALL! Lisandro Martinez lashes United into the lead

Hello hello, what do we have here? Alexander-Arnold gave the ball away in the moments leading up to the goal, I think Slot will be considering hooking him.

From that turnover though, United worked it brilliantly.

Martinez intercepted Alexander-Arnold’s loose ball, and then Fernandes found him in the box with a clever reverse pass. The defender blasted the ball over Alisson and off the underside of the bar from a tight angle.

Gary Neville compares it to Ryan Giggs vs Arsenal in 1999.

05:39 PM GMT

50 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

United continue to look menacing down Alexander-Arnold’s side. Dalot in behind this time, and his shot across goal was blocked by Van Dijk and behind for a corner. United’s delivery was excellent, and Liverpool survive a bouncing ball in their area. United come forward again, but Amad slips in a promising position.

05:37 PM GMT

47 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

You are looking for signs of Liverpool changes at the start of this second half. They drop a long diagonal pass on Mazraoui, and Robertson pounces on his defensive header to win a corner.

It is going to be an inswinger from Mac Allister. The Liverpool players are grouped at the back post, apart from Van Dijk who is being tagged by Mainoo.

Wicked delivery from Mac Allister, and Onana flaps it down into bodies. United get the bounce of the ball and Dalot draws a foul from Salah. A scary moment for United.

05:34 PM GMT

We are back under way in the second half

Manchester United kick off at the start of the second 45 minutes. No changes from Slot or Amorim.

05:31 PM GMT

We are staying up...

The consensus of opinion at half time is that, on this form, Manchester United will not go down.

05:25 PM GMT

Roy Keane on Alexander-Arnold’s defending

05:22 PM GMT

United’s marked improvement

This must be the most disciplined 45 minutes from United since Amorim took over. It is one of those ‘where did that come from?’ displays so far. They’ve been much better than the 0-0 here last year. Their fans will be both thrilled and frustrated it has taken a trip to Anfield for certain players to show they can play.

05:19 PM GMT

HT: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

United’s defenders crowd Gravenberch to block a shot, and that is that for the first half. United and Amorim will be delighted with that 45 minutes. They have shown authority on the ball, quietened the crowd and carved out two excellent chances to take the lead. Liverpool had some opportunities early in the game, with Gakpo clipping wide and Onana saving from Mac Allister, but Anfield is not impressed.

05:15 PM GMT

45 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Mainoo is delivering his best performance of the season. He is always quite silky in tight spaces, but he is covering more ground and snapping into tackles.

Slow first halves have been a theme of Liverpool’s season. They need to go through the gears in front of the Kop again today.

There are just two minutes of stoppage time to play.

05:13 PM GMT

43 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Alisson produces a huge save to deny Hojlund! A glorious chance for United, their centre-forward breached Liverpool’s line and was miles onside. From the left channel, he fired a shot straight at Alisson with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Liverpool threaten immediate punishment, but Salah scooped his shot over the bar from the corner of the box.

The new England head coach Thomas Tuchel is here along with his assistant Anthony Barry and the FA’s technical director John McDermott. The trio are taking in their third game of the weekend and there are several England players on show although Tuchel may be worried at how easily Manchester United have attacked down Liverpool’s right-side where Trent Alexander-Arnold is positioned. Alexander-Arnold has just played Rasmus Hojlund onside for the best chance so far.

05:11 PM GMT

41 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Anfield sounds flat at the moment. When there is such a perceived (or lets face in real) gulf in quality between rivals, it is not always good for atmosphere. Fans can be quite perverse, and the expectation of thrashing a rival brings a different kind of nervousness.

Another swift United move down Liverpool’s right, but Van Dijk was in position to clear Dalot’s cross. It was another threatening position for the way team.

05:09 PM GMT

39 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Salah tries to find Mac Allister with a cute low cross, but the midfielder could not execute a high tariff piece of control to gather the ball into his path. United’s players will start to look at the clock now, but they have to remain concentrated.

05:07 PM GMT

United fans sing Zirkzee’s name

Manchester United sing Joshua Zirkzee’s name as the forward warms up. It clearly is a response to the substitution of the Dutch international being cheered by supporters during last Monday’s dismal home defeat to Newcastle United. United are playing far better here even if they have already ridden their luck a little. But this is a lot better from them and there is a little anxiety inside Anfield that Liverpool are not in front.

05:06 PM GMT

36 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

A couple of booming, but clean, tackles in the middle of the pitch from Maguire and De Ligt. Gravenberch with another lovely spin around 30 yards from goal but United’s defence stands firm. Liverpool’s delivery from wide has lacked quality. United are dealing with the crosses.

05:03 PM GMT

33 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Alexander-Arnold feels he should have a corner but Maguire kicked the ball back off him. Ugarte is attracted towards the ball, allowing Gakpo to find space over his shoulder, but the white United shirts funnel back into position. Gravenberch tries to force a pass through, and it is intercepted to some groans.

05:01 PM GMT

31 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Mainoo and Fernandes combining well through midfield, and the latter holds off Mac Allister to win a free-kick. United are not exactly peppering the Liverpool goal, but you feel they might need a goal while are they enjoying a strong spell.

04:59 PM GMT

29 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

It looks like Liverpool have a few too many players behind the ball against a cautious United when they are building play.

That was more like it from Gravenberch. A trademark roll away from Mainoo and then a strike with his weaker right foot that flashed just wide of the far post.

04:56 PM GMT

26 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Much like in Liverpool’s recent games, they do look quite open at times, their midfield a little loose out of possession. But they have such a wealth of attacking quality in might not matter in the final analysis. Amorim will be quite pleased by his team so far, even if Liverpool have still created two or three decent chances.

04:54 PM GMT

23 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

De Ligt did well to buy a foul and stop a Liverpool break. From the set-piece, United worked one short and Fernades whipped a dangerous cross towards Maguire but the flag went up for offside.

After an encouraging few minutes for United, a concern: Dalot has been booked for a foul on Salah. Was far too tight to the winger and was spun.

United do have a corner now though. Hojlund driving down the left and Konate slicing over his own bar.

04:51 PM GMT

21 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Great chance for Amad and United! Dalot with a spin in behind Alexander-Arnold and Amad was completely unmarked in the middle. Dalot found him with a left-footed cross, but it Amad misjudged the flight of it and ended up heading the ball backwards. Liverpool fail to clear their lines, allowing Mainoo the chance to shoot. Deflected over for a corner, which Liverpool defend.

04:50 PM GMT

19 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Nothing came from a United free-kick won by Hojlund but it was interesting to note that Liverpool left Salah a long way up the pitch ready for the potential counter-attack.

Lovely from Van Dijk to find Alexander-Arnold between the lines with a reverse pass but his ball towards Salah was cut out by Dalot.

There are positive signs for Liverpool that Alexis Mac Allister has come to Anfield to run the midfield today.

04:46 PM GMT

16 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

The chances are starting to flow for Liverpool now. Martinez is pulled out to a left-back position by Salah, who then scoops a delightful chipped pass into Mac Allister’s path. The midfielder caught the first-time shot cleanly with the ball dropping over his shoulder, but Onana saved with an outstretched leg. United survive.

04:44 PM GMT

15 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

After a fairly sedate start, Liverpool are starting to flex their muscles. Gravenberch surprises United’s midfield by pushing into an advanced position and poking a pass through to Gakpo, but he lifted his shot over Onana and wide of the far post from a narrow angle. Decent chance, though.

04:43 PM GMT

14 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Anfield was quiet, but the crowd get involved after Ugarte catches Gakpo late with a mistimed sliding challenge in midfield. Mac Allister then finds Jones in behind the United midfield which sparks the home team’s best moments so far.. A low cross was cleared by Martinez straight to Alexander-Arnold, but his first time shot was blocked. Liverpool then worked it square for Diaz to shoot but he was leaning back and his attempt always rising.

United have started better than even their own fans anticipated. Liverpool have not shown their usual rhythm in the first 10 minutes but the warnings are there when they increase the tempo.

04:41 PM GMT

11 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Nice play from Fernandes, picking up space that attracted Robertson, allowing him to flick the ball around the corner for Mazraoui. United switch play to the left but the attack slows down. Alisson then rushes out of his area to clear another ball in the channel for Hojlund to chase.

04:39 PM GMT

9 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Much like at Arsenal and City, United have settled quite quickly in possession, even if most of their passes are in front of the opposition and relatively unthreatening. It is a clear 5-4-1 off the ball for United with Fernandes and Amad tucking in alongside their central midfielders. Liverpool must find a way through a forest of bodies. Safety in numbers is the approach from Amorim.

04:37 PM GMT

Amorim restless

Too much can be read into these things but Ruben Amorim is cutting quite a nervous, tense figure in the dug-out as he constantly steps from foot to foot and is always on the move. The Manchester United head coach certainly does not give the impression of being confident given his team’s poor run of form and the situation he has inherited. He was the same in the tunnel as we waited for the teams to emerge prior to kick-off.

04:37 PM GMT

6 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Curtis Jones, as expected, is pushed on quite high close to Diaz. He is operating almost like a second striker. Martinez follows him into midfield and gets in well. Liverpool’s right side then produces its first attack of note, but Maguire clears Salah’s cross on the stretch. The Egyptian then wins a corner over in United’s left-back area.

No inswinger on Onana this time. Alexander-Arnold takes and Onana punches clear.

04:34 PM GMT

4 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

Mainoo’s first introduction after coming back on is to sneak up on Alexander-Arnold’s blindside and pinch the ball off him. The Anfield crowd are not happy. That gives United the chance to go forward through Hojlund, and then Dalot produces a positive burst into the penalty area beyond Alexander-Arnold. He cannot pick out a white shirt though.

04:32 PM GMT

2 minutes: Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0

An early stoppage in play with Kobbie Mainoo down after a sliding challenge on Gravenberch. He may have hurt himself in the process. After that tackle, United tried to flip the ball in behind Konate for Hojlund to chase but Alisson came off his line to sweep up. Mainoo is back on his feet but is off the field for some treatment. He looks fit to carry on.

Amorim has spent pre-match and first few minutes nervously walking around every inch of the technical area. He’ll have clocked up 10k if he carries on all match that way.

04:30 PM GMT

KICK OFF!

Liverpool get the game under way. The chalk lines on the pitch are looking slightly faint. Fortunately there has never been any controversy about the ball being in or out...

04:27 PM GMT

The players are on their way out of the tunnel

Roy Keane’s final words just about sum it up: “People go on about this fixture being special. It is only special if you win! It is a nightmare if you lose.”

Anfield sounds buoyant, but the fans are making their feelings clear about Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold’s contract situations. A banner on the Kop reads: “FSG, give Mo & Co their dough.”

04:26 PM GMT

The snow has turned to rain at Anfield

It is currently lashing down on Merseyside. If United’s defenders were feeling a little unsure of themselves, that will not help.

04:17 PM GMT

Ruben Amorim’s pre-match thoughts

04:13 PM GMT

Arne Slot wary of United’s knack for a one-off performance

04:07 PM GMT

Bruno Fernandes returns

You can have a highfaltuin tactical debate about whether Fernandes could fit into a well-structured, balanced elite team, but United are none of those things so they need their most gifted player. He should be fresh after missing the Newcastle game owing to suspension.

03:58 PM GMT

Salah’s record vs Manchester United

Aside from being the best player in the country, Salah has scored more goals (12) and provided more assists (six) against United than any Premier League player.

Salah’s goal sealed a 2-0 win over United in January 2020, a result which sent Liverpool 16 points clear at the top of a table with a game in hand. The celebrations after Salah’s goal was the moment Anfield realised they were nay-on assured of a first league title for 30 years. And you thought they had a stranglehold on this season’s title race...

Win today and Liverpool would be eight points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand. Not quite curtains, but close. Today’s game has a similar feel to that meeting five years ago.

03:47 PM GMT

If you were looking for a straw to clutch as a United fan...

They visited Arsenal and Manchester City last month and did not concede a goal from open play. Granted, neither of those teams are as potent as Liverpool right now.

United played very little enterprising football across the two games, but they did at least keep themselves alive through soaking up pressure and keeping the ball across their back three and Onana. At the Etihad, they were rewarded with an unlikely late comeback.

Keep the score down and hope for a moment is likely to be the strategy today. If that sounds like something you would say of a bottom half team going to Anfield, it is because that is exactly what United are.

03:36 PM GMT

All eyes on Manchester United’s defensive set up

Liverpool often attack with a front four under Slot, so a back five offers United an extra man which should mean their defenders can be aggressive. The problem is, the central two players in Liverpool’s attack drop off, creating a midfield box with Gravenberch and Mac Allister. That could leave Ugarte and Mainoo overwhelmed.

Do De Ligt and Martinez push in on Jones and Diaz in these moments to help their midfield? If they do, there is space for Gakpo and Salah to make runs from out-to-in off the flanks.

Mainoo, Ugarte and Fernandes could play as a three, with Amad and Hojlund left up front, but that shape will allow Robertson and Alexander-Arnold lots of time on the ball. Pick your poison.

03:26 PM GMT

Beware hubris in these big rivalries

Will supporters ever learn to rein in their pre-match high and low expectations? There is much confidence around Liverpool going into this game, but it was the same before these teams met last season. Liverpool failed to beat United in both Premier League matches and, famously, the FA Cup quarter-final.  United defended heroically to get a 0-0 Anfield draw.

Rewind to 12 months previous when Liverpool were struggling and United arrived on Merseyside having just won the Carabao Cup Final and it was the visiting fans who were more bullish. Jurgen Klopp’s side won 7-0.  Clearly Liverpool are strong favourites here but recent history shows that cockiness is punished and defeatism premature.

03:22 PM GMT

No great surprises with the team news

Marcus Rashford misses out completely through illness and the same goes for Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool’s defence is strengthened by Kontate’s return and that must be very close to Slot’s strongest team. Diogo Jota has a shout but there is no way Salah, Diaz and Gakpo are being broken up on current form.

No changes at the back from Amorim from the team who were torn to shreds by Newcastle. Midfield at least has more legs with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Uguarte replacing Eriksen and Casemiro. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will play in the pockets behind Rasmus Hojlund. Will Amorim tweak things and go to a 5-3-2 without the ball to have another central midfielder?

03:17 PM GMT

Manchester United team and subs: Ugarte and Mainoo replace Casemiro and Eriksen

03:16 PM GMT

Liverpool team and subs: Konate returns, no Szoboszlai in squad

03:09 PM GMT

Slot’s selection calls

Arne Slot’s big decision today is at centre-back. Ibrahima Konate is fit again and there must be a temptation to thrust him straight back into the starting XI following Joe Gomez’s injury. Elsewhere, the team has tended to pick itself with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones tending to rotate between games.

It should be Szoboszlai’s turn as he has not started since the win at Spurs, partly because of suspension. The front three of Gakpo, Diaz and Salah has started to run riot, their impressive stats even eclipsing peak time Salah, Mane and Firmino and Barnes, Beardsley and Aldridge circa late Eighties.

03:08 PM GMT

Relevant news for Man Utd fans...

Those of a doomy persuasion might be interested to know that Ipswich are leading 1-0 at Fulham after 50 minutes. Should Ipswich see it through, they would be just four points behind United. Wolves, 18th as things stand, could move within three points of United with a home win tomorrow night against Nottingham Forest.

03:00 PM GMT

Liverpool and United fans to join forces

Manchester United and Liverpool supporters will unite at Anfield today in protest at rising ticket prices. James Ducker reports here on Spirit of Shankly and FC58 putting their tribalism aside.

02:47 PM GMT

Liverpool fans trek across a snowy Stanley Park

02:39 PM GMT

Roy Keane believes Amorim could have struck a more upbeat note

02:26 PM GMT

Carragher on Liverpool reflecting Slot’s calm demeanour

02:11 PM GMT

Gary Neville speaking on Sky about Amorim’s ‘horrendous start’

02:02 PM GMT

First blood Carragher...

12:28 PM GMT

Anfield ground personnel and undersoil heating working hand in hand

12:18 PM GMT

Liverpool prospect Doak wanted by Palace

Liverpool have rejected a £15 million Crystal Palace bid for Scottish international winger Ben Doak.

Doak has spent the first half of this season on-loan at Middlesbrough, but after a successful run in the Championship numerous Premier League and European clubs have shown interest and Palace have made a formal approach.

Chris Bascombe has more here.

12:13 PM GMT

What does the future hold for Rashford?

Marcus Rashford is set to miss Manchester United’s clash with rivals Liverpool through “illness” amid ongoing uncertainty over the England striker’s future at Old Trafford this month.

Telegraph Sport reported this week that Rashford has rejected three offers from Saudi Pro League clubs in deals worth up to £35 million per season.

Read James Ducker’s report here.

12:02 PM GMT

Man United co-sign Liverpool’s post

11:58 AM GMT

‘Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned’

Liverpool confirm game will go ahead: “Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned. Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions. We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there.”

11:55 AM GMT

‘Game on!’

11:52 AM GMT

Why Liverpool and Man Utd are never great at the same time

A quirk in English football’s biggest rivalry, between Liverpool and Manchester United, is that, aside from their volatile seasonal meetings, for most of the past 60 years it has not been much of a duel. As one prospers, the other withers.

Read Chris Bascombe’s piece here.

10:59 AM GMT

Area surrounding Anfield this morning

10:49 AM GMT

Anfield pitch looks in good shape, despite the snow

10:38 AM GMT

Fans unite in protest at rising ticket prices

Manchester United and Liverpool supporters will join forces at Anfield today in protest at rising ticket prices.

Gareth Roberts from the Liverpool supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly and Steve Crompton from their United counterparts FC58 spoke to James Ducker about why it has never been more important for fans to unite.

Read the full article here.

10:31 AM GMT

Liverpool have the chance to extend lead at the top of table to eight points

Liverpool have already seen one high profile postponement this season as the Merseyside derby needs to be rescheduled following the storms which hit last month.

It means the league leaders already have a game in hand on their rivals. But Arne Slot will want points on the board more than a backlog of fixtures, despite his team’s current advantage.

Liverpool are fighting on four fronts, with a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final upcoming against Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the start of the FA Cup next weekend.

The Champions League resumes again in January, with Liverpool already guaranteed qualification into the knockout stage.

One more point will mathematically guarantee Liverpool are in the round of 16, although it would take an unlikely series of results to deny them that position given the top the Champions League rankings.

If the match goes ahead, Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead to eight points today and will still have played a game less than second placed Arsenal.

10:17 AM GMT

Manchester United tell travelling fans to ‘take care’

In response to Liverpool’s tweet about the match going ahead, Man United responded with the following: “Our match against Liverpool is set to still go ahead at this stage, despite snow and weather warnings in the North West today. Take care if you are travelling to the game — we will update you with the latest developments.”

09:48 AM GMT

Match going ahead... for now

Liverpool have issued a statement this morning: “A safety meeting was held this morning to assess the weather and travel conditions for today’s fixture against Manchester United at Anfield. At this stage the match is planned to go ahead as normal and every effort is being made to get the game on. A further safety meeting will take place again at midday to assess the latest conditions. We will update supporters just as soon as we can. Please take extra care out there, Reds.”

09:39 AM GMT

Weather watch

Heavy overnight snow is causing widespread disruption across the UK as the cold start to the new year continues, with fears today’s big match between Liverpool and Manchester United could be postponed.

Several major airports have been forced to suspend flights while some key roads in northern England remain shut.

The Met Office said rural communities could be cut off, with up to 40cm of snow on the ground above 300m before conditions ease later today.

Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon Airport both closed runways this morning due to heavy snow.

National Highways warned that up to 25cm of snow could affect roads in northern England.

Snow closed the A628 Woodhead Pass which connects Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak District overnight in both directions between the A616 at Flouch and the A57 at Hollingworth.

The A66 in County Durham and Cumbria was closed between the M6 and A1M because of the conditions, while two of four lanes on the M1 northbound between J30 Worksop and J31 Sheffield in South Yorkshire were shut after a collision involving a HGV.

Two amber weather warnings from the Met Office have been put in place in England and Wales, with 3cm to 7cm of snowfall predicted for much of the affected area, mixing with rain at times in lower-lying areas.

Today’s League Two fixture between Chesterfield and Gillingham has already been postponed.