United dropped to fifth place as a result of Arsenal’s win over Southampton.
But, once the action started, it became more about the four substitutions – three for United, one for Liverpool – that were forced on the respective managers over the first 45 minutes.
Indeed, by the interval, there had been twice as many substitutions as shots on target – the game’s first such effort being a tame Marcus Rashford attempt which he chipped up for an easy Alisson Becker catch.
United midfielder Herrera was the first to go, having injured himself in the process of fouling Joel Matip on the edge of the home area.
Mohamed Salah succeeded only in lofting that free-kick over the home goal although, by the 20-minute mark, Herrera was unable to continue and replaced by Andreas Pereira.
Mata was next, four minutes later, paying the price for a heroic challenge on Salah on the edge of his own area and limping off to be substituted by Lingard.
And Liverpool were not spared disruption of their own when Firmino twisted his right ankle while making a routine pass and was forced off.
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