Liverpool U18 coach Steven Gerrard praised his players after their 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Saturday.

D'Mani Mellor had fired United into an early lead at a snowy Cliff and, after young Reds captain Adam Lewis was sent off for two bookable offences, a real test of character was on the cards for Gerrard's team.

But Liam Millar fired his 13th goal of the season to level and the Canada youth international then set up Glen McAuley to make it 2-1 on the hour.

In a frantic finale, Liverpool had some glorious chances to finish the game off only for United substitute Arnau Puigmal to pounce in the fourth minute of stoppage time to grab a share of the spoils.

Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com: “I'm very proud. Obviously to go a goal down against Manchester United and have 10 men it's a very difficult task, it's a mountain to climb, but to be fair to my players they gave their best and tried to climb it - and in the end they did.

“Unfortunately we just couldn't see the day out but I thought it was a terrific game of football played in the right way by two good teams, but from the 20th minute onwards I can't be more proud of the players."

“We had chances at 2-1 to put the game to bed but Manchester United, to be fair, put us under a lot of pressure in the second half.

“In general, over the whole course of the game it's probably a fair result, but it is the first time I've seen United celebrate a draw so I'm really pleased with that."