Manchester United battled for a deserved point against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, but may now be sweating over the fitness of the two players who started on Merseyside.
The Red Devils took the lead through Lisandro Martinez's thunderbolt and stuck to their task after goals from Cody Jacobo and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead. A share of the spoils Amad Diallo got it with a clever shot into the bottom corner, after good work on the wing from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
united Lined up with Rasmus Hoglund up front – the Dane is preferred in a central attacking role over Joshua Zierzky – Matthijs de Ligt was one of three starting centre-backs to start alongside Martinez and Harry Maguire.
After a difficult encounter Manchester Evening News It was revealed that Hoglund limped through the post-match mixed zone – an area where journalists gather to talk to players after the game – while De Ligt left with what appeared to be ice strapped to his leg.
A potential injury would inflict more misery on De Ligt, who was responsible for awarding a penalty kick midway through the second half. The Dutchman raced into the box to close down Alexis McAllister as a cross arrived, only to see his shaky arm turn away from the ball. Brighton and Hove Albion Midfielder's head.
Salah did the rest from the spot, although Andre Onana was awarded a penalty, but United were not to be denied on the afternoon as a number of players impressed. Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Kobe Maino all impressed in midfield, producing their best performances of the season, while Martinez was also at his best in defence.
The display left coach Ruben Amorim frustrated, with the Portuguese coach somewhat baffled as to why United were unable to compete at such a high level in other matches.
He added: “I feel more angry because of other matches, so some things are difficult to understand.” Amorim said. “It's not about the system or technique, it's about something else and it's difficult for a coach to understand.
“It's a point and I think we should be more angry and disappointed than that What did we do against Newcastle?. We must be very disappointed and I must calm down and say the right things. We are in a difficult moment. If we played against Liverpool every day we would do that but we have to do it against any opponent. We need to fight hard to get out of this situation.
“The way we were really competitive, that's the crucial thing going forward. I'm happy with the performance, I'm not happy with the result, but I'm really very angry about the other games.”