Manchester United took a huge step forward under Ruben Amorim as they earned a share of the spoils in a breathless second half at Anfield.

After a relatively quiet first half the game exploded into life after the break, with Lisandro Martinez scoring a brilliant opener to give United a lead they had been threatening.

But when Cody Gakpo equalised and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead from the spot it looked like United's race was run, only for Amorim's side to respond once again.

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Alejandro Garnacho's run down the left and low cross was met by Amad, whose finish earned United a deserved point at Anfield.

Shaw and Mount

Luke Shaw and Mason Mount might still be battling their personal injury nightmares, but both were in the directors' box at Anfield and were around the squad before the match.

It is not unusual for unavailable players to be present for games at Old Trafford, but it is more unusual at away games. Shaw and Mount both decided that they wanted to be at the game. Nobody should be reading too much into the absence of Marcus Rashford, who is unwell and therefore can't be around the squad.

Shaw and Mount's decision to attend is positive for United and shows that the spirit within the group remains strong, which hasn't always been the case. Both players could also be vital to Amorim's system and shape, provided they can stay fit.

Amorim keeps his cool

When Martinez's shot hit the crossbar before heading into the back of the net in front of a delirious away end, it was pandemonium for anyone of a United persuasion at Anfield - except their head coach, that is.

Behind Amorim, United's subs and coaching staff erupted. Diogo Dalot punched both fists to the away end, and Andre Onana considered going up to celebrate as well.

But Amorim just turned on his heels and picked up his water bottle, taking a swig from it as if it were an everyday occurrence. He wanted to keep his mind on the job and has been true to his word by not really celebrating goals.

The celebrations between the players was at least encouraging. On an afternoon when many of them stepped up to the plate, and with two of their injured cohort in attendance, this was a day that suggested this squad are on the same page.

Passion project

You might say it's easy for a United player to get up for the fight against Liverpool, but it hasn't always looked that way in recent seasons. There was no shortage of fire among the ice from those in white on Sunday, however.

Perhaps they had been stung by recent criticism, or even by suggestions from their manager that they were anxious and afraid on the pitch, but they played with desire on Merseyside and arguably proved Arne Slot right, who said of United before the game: "Every time, when you least expect it, they show up."

They showed up here alright. Dalot was animated in both celebrations, Harry Maguire was pumped up throughout the game, Bruno Fernandes led from the front, and United's players gave it their all. They left everything out there and ran as if their lives depended on it, which is exactly what Amorim wants.

Zirkzee support

United's support in the corner of the Anfield Road End was excellent throughout and they comfortably made more noise than The Kop, but one of their best moments came in chanting Joshua Zirkzee's name as he came out to warm up just after the half-hour mark.

'Oh, Joshua Zirkzee' rang out from the away end, and the 23-year-old responded with applause, as did some of his teammates who were warming up alongside him. After the reaction that greeted Zirkzee's substitution against Newcastle, it felt like a moment that the forward appreciated and a gesture the away fans wanted to offer.