Much to the surprise of everyone, Manchester United fans included, the team not only avoided the expected thrashing at Anfield, but could be disappointed to leave with just the one point.
As was the case in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last season, Liverpool were awarded a dodgy penalty to salvage a point, and United had a fantastic opportunity to win the game with the last kick of the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee was in a position to shoot but opted to create a clearer chance for Harry Maguire and passed the ball instead, with it bobbling and the defender putting the ball over the bar. The Dutch striker had received a very warm welcome from the travelling support, in contrast to the treatment he received when being subbed off after half an hour during our 3-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier in the week. You have to wonder whether he would have taken the chance himself if he felt more confident.
Manager Ruben Amorim, when speaking to TalkSport after the game, insisted Zirkzee made the right decision.
I think he made the right decision. He doesn’t have the perfect angle. He could shoot but he has the composure to pass the ball in the centre of the box for Harry to shoot.
Since the Newcastle game, Zirkzee has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Amorim insists he wants the player to stay.
I want to keep Josh because he gives everything and he’s trying in training but we don’t know. The window is open and we will see what happens. We just need to focus on training and to take this for the other games. It’s just one point so let’s focus on the performance for the next games.
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