RUBEN AMORIM’S moaning about Manchester United being ‘starved of leaders’ spurred senior players to step up at Anfield.
The new Red Devils head coach called on his experienced stars to stand up and be counted in their hour of need.
And that sparked a response on Sunday as United earned a deserved 2-2 draw against the runaway Premier League leaders — and could have had more.
Diogo Dalot was their stand-out performer on Merseyside and said Amorim’s words hit home.
The Portugal star, 25, said: “It pinched me. I think that’s what he wanted for every player.
“I’ve been here a while. I know I can step up more as well and I’m going to try to help my team-mates.
“On and off the pitch I’ll try to help them.
“You saw that we were more of a team. That was the biggest difference.”
Amorim felt his team’s slump — which saw them lose four games in a row either side of Christmas — was due to a lack of time on the training pitch.
Having taken over in mid- November, he faced matches in all the midweeks so wanted to make the most of a six-day break before facing Liverpool.
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Dalot, who shone at left wing-back, believes that was crucial in getting United’s squad “on the same page” as their new boss.
The defender, a £19million buy from Porto in 2018, added: “We had time to get to know what the manager wants us to do.
“It’s time on the pitch, knowing what everybody wants to do.
“It put everybody a bit more on the same page. We showed we can be a really good team.
“It’s trusting ourselves that everybody will be in the right position in every aspect of the game, in every inch of the pitch. So I think that’s it.
“When you have time to know what to do, it becomes more natural. And at Liverpool, you saw the structure was more compact.”
United have another blank week to prepare for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Arsenal — and they will need to make the most of it.
Midweek fixtures will come thick and fast again after that, starting against basement boys Southampton at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Lisandro Martinez, who netted a stunning opener on Sunday, says United showed what they are capable of by winning 2-1 at Manchester City in mid- December and then earning this draw at Anfield.
But the Argentine defender, 26, warned his team-mates they must now build on it.
He said: “We showed against City and Liverpool we have the right players but have to believe.
“A few matches ago we were thinking too much and played with restraint. Now we have to play with more personality.
“I believe a lot in this team. If you see the Liverpool game, compared to the last few games, it’s a completely different team.”
Andre Onana – 7
Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.
Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.
Harry Maguire – 7
Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.
Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.
Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.
Amad Diallo – 7
Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball.
Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.
Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.
