Manchester United and Liverpool faced off for the second time in just a week this evening. Last weekend, the teams played out a bore scoreless draw in the Premier League.

The FA Cup 4^th round was the occasion this time around. There was more entertainment on display in this fixture than the last as a total of five goals were scored.

Manchester United managed to outscore their opponents in the end, winning the contest by a scoreline of 3-2. Mohamed Salah struck twice for Liverpool but goals from Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes helped secure victory for United.

Manchester United progress to the FA Cup 5^th round with tonight’s win.

KEY MOMENTS

Mohamed Salah, as he so often does, opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 18^th minute. He was played in on goal by a pinpoint Roberto Firmino through ball before delicately chipping over goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Mason Greenwood snatched an equalizer in the 26^th minute to end a barren run of nine games without scoring. Marcus Rashford provided the assist with a brilliant lobbed ball over the Liverpool backline before Greenwood took a touch and hammered into the back of the net.

Greenwood and Rashford combined again just after half-time. This time, Greenwood turned provider as his pass was misjudged by Rhys Williams to which Rashford took advantage by closing in on goal and executing a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Liverpool drew level in the 58^th minute through Mohamed Salah again. The Egyptian was played in unselfishly by James Milner who could have taken a shot on himself. Salah took the shot under pressure but got a good enough connection on the shot to evade the defender and go through Dean Henderson’s legs.

Bruno Fernandes was brought on in the 66^th minute and it didn’t take long for him to make a mark on the game. United were awarded a free-kick in the 78^th minute from just outside the box and after a period of consultation, Bruno Fernandes decided to take on the opportunity. He struck his effort with real venom and his shot was accurate enough to end up in the back of the net despite being on goalkeeper Alisson’s side of the goal.

That goal would prove to be the winner as Manchester United help on to win 3-2.

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Manchester United took on Aston Villa in the 2^nd Premier League game of 2021 – following West Ham’s win over Everton earlier.

Both teams had plenty on the line going into the game. Aston Villa had the chance to move into the top 4 with a win while United could have gone top of the table with a similar result.

Manchester United came out on top in the end thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes. The match finished 2-1, meaning United are now level on points with Liverpool on top of the table.

FIRST HALF

Manchester United started the game brightly, attacking with pace and intent.

Emi Martinez had his first real tester in the 10^th minute. Anthony Martial struck from outside of the box but the Villa keeper denied the Frenchman with an agile save.

Aston Villa had a chance of their own just moments later. Matty Cash’s overlap allowed him space to cross and his ball into the box fell to John McGinn. The Scottish international struck low on the volley before David de Gea got a good hand on it to avert the danger.

After a period where both teams had their half chances, Anthony Martial finally made the breakthrough for Manchester United in the 39^th minute. The goal came a typical Manchester United counter attack. Aaron Wan-Bissaka bombed down the right flank before delivering a cross into the box which was met by the head of Martial before going into the net. He did well to anticipate and react to the opportunity. Tyrone Mings was at fault for the goal, having failed to intercept the cross into Martial.

The first half ended 1-0 to Manchester United as a result of Anthony Martial’s goal. Aston Villa showed signs of promise but also faded out of the game for large periods. A better second half was needed for Dean Smith’s side to warrant a good result.

SECOND HALF

Aston Villa started the second half much better than they played for the majority of the first.

Their pressure nearly culminated in a goal in the 51^st minute. Jack Grealish was involved heavily as he crossed into the box and onto Ollie Watkins head. David de Gea produced a superb save to hook Watkins’ shot over the bar and out for a corner.

Aston Villa continued to knock on the door and their efforts paid off in the 58^th minute with a Bertrand Traore goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was largely to blame for the goal. His poor positioning gave Jack Grealish of all people acres of space to work. Grealish took advantage of Wan-Bissaka’s error and crossed low into the box which was met and finished by Bertrand Traore.

Aston Villa’s equaliser didn’t last long. Manchester United were awarded a penalty in the 61^st after some good work by Paul Pogba. VAR were called into action to discuss the validity of the penalty and after some consultation, the penalty stood. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the spot and he dispatched his effort low and hard into the corner.

Paul Pogba had a great chance to make it 3-1 in the 72^nd minute. Luke Shaw crossed in low from the byline to Pogba who was in space, but he fired wide of the post.

Emi Martinez was on hand again in the 76^th minute, this time he kept out in-form Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese international shot from outside the box but Martinez managed to get a good hand to divert the ball behind.

Tyrone Mings had an excellent opportunity to atone for his mistake in the 83^rd minute. Matty Cash delivered a fantastic free kick into the box from wide. Mings got his head on the ball after a battle with Harry Maguire but his shot went just wide.

Matty Cash had a good second half and he nearly ended the half with a goal. He struck well from outside the box but David de Gea was at hand to tip it behind.

Eric Bailly produced a brilliant challenge/block right at the death to keep out Keinan Davis.

The match finished 2-1 to Manchester United after Bailly’s heroic defending. The Red Devils are now level on points with Liverpool.

Joint-top of the table!

#MUFC
#⃣ #MUNAVL
#PL@Chevrolet

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 1, 2021

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2020 is finally coming to an end after a long, bizarre and extraordinary – for all the wrong reasons – 12 months.

It’s been a unique year of football. The suspension of the Premier League for a number of months, Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years and the absence of fans in football stadiums made for one of the most peculiar Premier League years in recent memory.

There have also been several key performers over the past year, but which of those make our Premier League team of 2020?

GOALKEEPER

ALISSON – LIVERPOOL

Alisson has proven himself as an indispensable member of the Liverpool squad since joining from Roma in 2018.

The Brazilian’s importance was not only demonstrated as he helped his team to a league title for the first time in 30 years, but also during his absence. Backup keeper Adrian came into the team on several occasions to replace the injured Alisson, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to emulate the latter’s performances.

Known for not only his excellent shot stopping skills, but also his elite distribution among other attributes. He displayed his goalkeeping acumen against Newcastle on Wednesday as he made a number of important saves.

Alisson is still only 28, also, meaning he could continue to dominate for years to come.

Honourable mentions: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Arsenal), Nick Pope (Burnley).

RIGHT-BACK

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – LIVERPOOL

Although Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been quite as good this season as he was last thus far, but his worth to the Liverpool squad is still invaluable.

Alexander-Arnold contributed to the 2^nd most assists in the league last season, only topped by Kevin De Bruyne. His passing range is undoubtedly one of the best in the league, and inarguably the best in his position.

His performances last year earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He was also honoured as PFA Young Player of the Year.

At only 22, Alexander-Arnold has a long and decorated career ahead of him. We could be looking at a Liverpool captain in the making.

Honourable mentions: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), João Cancelo (Manchester City).

LEFT-BACK

ANDREW ROBERTSON – LIVERPOOL

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold make up the best full-back pairing the league so it would be unfair not to include Robertson, especially considering his consistency over the past year.

Robertson put up 12 assists in the league this season on his way to a PFA Team of the Year inclusion. The Scottish international has started this season in a similar vein of form, coming up with 5 assists so far.

Not only is Robertson masterful in his attacking output, he’s also one of the most defensively accomplished left-backs in the league.

He has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistent player this term in a season riddled with injury problems and surprise results – despite sitting 1^st in the table.

Honourable mentions: Lucas Digne (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea, Leicester City).

CENTRE-BACKS

JAMES TARKOWSKI – BURNLEY

This might come as a strange selection to some, but James Tarkowski has quietly proven himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league over the past few seasons.

Tarkowski joined Burnley in 2016 and has been ever-present since.

Burnley rely very much – maybe overly so – on their defensive quality and Tarkowski, along with his partner Ben Mee, have that in abundance. In fact, no defender has kept more clean sheets in the league this year than Tarkowski.

The centre-back helped Burnley to a respectable 10^th place finish last season. Burnley have struggled so far this season but have showed signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK – LIVERPOOL

Van Dijk has barely featured in the Premier League this season due to an ACL injury suffered in October. His form before the injury, though, more than warranted an inclusion in this team.

Van Dijk was key in ensuring Liverpool captured the evasive Premier League trophy last season after coming so close in 2018/19.

His performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year alongside fellow Liverpool defenders Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Van Dijk has all the attributes of a world-class defenders. His positional awareness, physicality and elite tackling ability make him one of the best defenders in recent memory. He also possess one of the best passing ranges of any centre-back worldwide which compliments Liverpool’s style of play to a tee.

Van Dijk has been sorely missed for Liverpool so far – despite Fabinho filling in capably – and his return will be a massive boost to members of the club and fans alike.

Honourable mentions: Michael Keane (Everton), Fabinho (Liverpool), Çağlar Söyüncü (Leicester City), Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton).

MIDFIELDERS

KEVIN DE BRUYNE – MANCHESTER CITY

Kevin De Bruyne arguably had his best season in a Manchester City shirt last season which is no mean feat considering his displays in previous seasons.

De Bruyne won PFA Player’s Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term in a spectacular season.

The Belgian equalled Thierry Henry’s long-standing record for most assists in a Premier League season as he finished with 20 assists. He also surpassed his career best for most league goals in a season, scoring 13.

Manchester City have failed to live up to their remarkably high standards this season and De Bruyne’s form has also dipped as a result. He is still, however, one of the best players in the league and it’s only a matter of time before he gets back to his best.

BRUNO FERNANDES – MANCHESTER UNITED

Bruno Fernandes only arrived at Manchester United in January but has already established himself as one of the best players at the club, if not the best.

Nobody was quite sure how Fernandes would fare in the Premier League given the jump in quality but he has proved his doubters wrong and has taken to the league like a duck to water.

In fact, Fernandes has contributed to more Premier League goals (32) than any other player in the league, despite missing the first month of the year.

He has completed transformed the fortunes of Manchester United since joining and is very much the focal point of the squad. They currently sit 2^nd in the table with much thanks due to the creativity and goalscoring instincts of the Portuguese international.

A Premier League Player of the Season award – as well as other honours – is very much in sight for Bruno Fernandes if he continues his impressive form.

JORDAN HENDERSON – LIVERPOOL

Jordan Henderson should be a shoo-in for any team of the year.

The Liverpool captain’s ability has been called in question numerous times over the year but he has proved his doubters wrong time after time.

Last season he captained his side to their first Premier League title in 30 years. This season the responsibility upon his shoulders has increased tenfold given the absence of several key players and the introduction of numerous youth players into the first team, a pressure which he has taken into his stride.

Henderson received several honours for his performances and leadership last season, including but not limited to; Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year and an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.

Henderson is often underrated by fans but his value to the Liverpool squad and system is immeasurable.

Honourable mentions: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur/Southampton), Tomáš Souček (West Ham United).

RIGHT-WINGER

MOHAMED SALAH – LIVERPOOL

Currently leading the Premier League scoring chart with 13 goals, Mohamed Salah has had a fine start to the season. The Egyptian needs just 6 more goals to match his total of 19 league goals last season.

Himself, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have formed a potent attack over the years which would be the envy of most – if not all – clubs in world football.

Salah’s direct movement, close control and remarkable finishing is perfect for Liverpool’s system. His finishing is of such high quality that he’s significantly outperforming his expected goals of 8 this season (according to understat).

Reports of Salah’s desire to leave Anfield have been circulating in recent weeks to the dismay of Liverpool fans. No doubt Salah’s departure would be a monumental loss but he remains at Anfield and has shown no signs of unhappiness other than rumours.

Honourable mentions: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United).

LEFT-WINGER

HEUNG-MIN SON – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Few footballers have had a more accomplished 2020 than Heung-min Son.

The Tottenham forward has been one of the Premier League’s top performers – particularly this season – over the past year. Not only that, though, he also completed mandatory service for the South Korean military for a period of 3 weeks between April and May, during which he finished in the top 5 over 150 other trainees in basic military training.

He has moulded a formidable partnership with Harry Kane over the course of the season so far. The pair have combined with each other for a total of 32 Premier League goals during their times at Tottenham. For context, that’s just 4 goals off Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s record of 36.

In total this season, the pair have combined with each for 12 goals, just 1 goal off equalling the record of 13 set by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton during the 1994/95 season.

Son is joint 2^nd in the Premier League scoring charts with 11 goals, the same tally as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.

Honourable mentions: Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

STRIKER

HARRY KANE – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

There are a number of Premier League strikers deserving of an inclusion in this team, namely Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings. We’ve gone with Harry Kane, though.

Despite suffering an injury which kept him out for months at the start of the season, Kane has managed to rack up the same amount of goal contributions as Jamie Vardy (26).

Kane has proven himself not only as one of the deadliest finishers in the league, but also as one of the best creative outlets. He has by far the most assists to his name this season with 10, his closest competitors in Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne have 7 to their name respectively.

Tottenham started the season magnificently but have dipped in form over the past few games, collecting just 2 points in their last 4 games.

They’ll be hoping, with the help of Harry Kane among others, for a positive result against Leeds at the weekend to kickstart their 2021.

Honourable mentions: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Danny Ings (Southampton).

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Manchester United got their much-needed retribution over Başakşehir tonight as they ran out 4-1 winners. The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a surprise 2-1 victory to the Turkish side.

After tonight’s result, United now top their group after PSG defeated Leipzig in the Parc des Princes. They now have a chance to secure qualification in their next Champions League fixture with a win over the French side.

It didn’t take long for United to open the scoring and what a goal it was. Bruno Fernandes continued his fine form by scoring in the 6^th minute. The ball fell to the Portuguese international on the half volley and he made no mistake as he blasted into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Marcus Rashford had the ball in the back of the net just moments later. Unfortunately for him, though, it was ruled offside and disallowed.

Not to worry, though, United got their second of the night minutes later in unusual circumstances. The Başakşehir goalkeeper won’t want to see any replays, it was his mistake that led to the goal. He failed to deal with a relatively tame cross into the box as the ball slipped out of his grasps and straight into the path of Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder got his second of the night as he tapped in from close range.

Fernandes had a chance to get a first-half hat-trick after a penalty was given in the 35^th minute. Instead, he unselfishly gave the ball to Marcus Rashford to take. He then made no mistake from the penalty spot as he slotted into the bottom right.

The first half ended 3-0 to United in a mostly dominant first half, but that is not to say Başakşehir were without their chances. The scoreline was slightly harsh on the Turkish side.

Although lacking the same intensity of the first half, both teams had their chances in the second.

It was İstanbul Başakşehir who opened the second half scoring to reduce the deficit. Deniz Türüç was the goalscorer for Başakşehir as he whipped a free kick into the top left.

That goal could have been a gateway back into the game for Başakşehir, but in reality that never looked likely. They had a handful of additional chances afterwards, but they failed to convert.

Manchester United put the finishing touches on their performance as Daniel James slotted home from close range after being played in by Mason Greenwood. The match finished 4-1 to United.

Manchester United face PSG next week as they look to secure qualification for the Champions League knockout stages. İstanbul Başakşehir also face RB Leipzig in what is a crucial game for both clubs. Although unlikely, Başakşehir could still qualify for the knockout stages provided they pick up a win and remain undefeated in their last 2 games.

4⃣ goals
3⃣ points

#MUFC
#UCL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) NOVEMBER 24, 2020

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