There was a fear in Liverpool that the renaissance that has been taking place at Old Trafford this season marked more than just another of Manchester United’s false dawns. There was a fear that, after a decade in the doldrums, the wind was filling United’s sails again. There was a fear that after so many vanity signings and bad coaching hires, United were finally getting it right. There was a fear United were about to overtake them again.
Fear drove Liverpool as they went into this match. Fear, and the pent-up frustration of a season full of disappointments and defeats and doubts. And certainties replaced by uncertainties. Fear that the Jurgen Klopp era was over. Fear that all the glories of the last few years had come to an end and that others, including United, were lining up to grind them into the dirt.
And there was something else inside Liverpool last night. There was rage. There was rage against the dying of the light. Rage that they were being written off and disrespected….
