Harry Maguire has disagreed with Rúben Amorim about the possibility of Manchester United’s “biggest mistake” against Liverpool amid a stunning win at Anfield.
Manchester United claimed a brilliant 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side taking a huge three points at Anfield.
United started on the front foot and struck early, as Bryan Mbeumo finished smartly from a tight angle following an excellent pass from Amad. Bruno Fernandes had a great chance to double the lead soon after but couldn’t find the net.
Amorim’s men held a narrow advantage at the break, but Liverpool responded strongly, with Cody Gakpo rattling the post early in the second half. Just before the hour mark, Amorim brought on Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to lift his side’s intensity.
Liverpool eventually drew level through Gakpo with a little over ten minutes remaining, but United hit back almost immediately as Harry Maguire powered home a header to restore their lead.
Despite heavy late pressure from Arne Slot’s team, United’s defence stood firm to record their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Amorim and Maguire disagree about Liverpool importance
Before the tie kicked off, Amorim was asked how important the fixture could be for his team. The Portuguese manager was careful in his reply, explaining that he felt the “biggest mistake” his side could make was to say that the tie at Anfield held any extra weight compared to other games this season.
However, following his 84th-minute winner and Player of the Match award, Maguire admitted that the game was undoubtedly a win worth a lot more than just three points on the league table.
“Yeah, it means, I think it’s the old cliche, if it’s only three points, but it’s definitely not,” the central defender told Sky Sports.
“It means a lot more than that to the boys, to the clubs, to the fans. I’ve been here seven years now, and to come to this ground every time and not get three points has been tough.”
The Brighton fixture will be very telling
With the tough Anfield test now out of the way for United, the club’s next fixture comes in the form of an Old Trafford clash against Brighton.
Last time out, Fabian Hurtzler’s men secured an easy victory in Manchester with a 3-1 win, primarily due to errors from André Onana in goal. What happens this time round will speak to how much of a bedrock the victory over Liverpool creates in the squad.
After finally securing back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since joining the club, Amorim will want his squad to put on a properly fantastic showing at Old Trafford and use the next few games to build a sense of momentum.
If United’s players can deliver a good performance and secure three points against a team that has routinely been a bogey side for the Reds in recent years, it will speak volumes about a real turning point this season.
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