One Manchester United star was singled out for a stellar performance against Liverpool, as Rúben Amorim’s Reds picked up all three points at Anfield.
Manchester United earned a superb 2–1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, as Rúben Amorim’s side claimed an important three points at Anfield.
United started brightly and went ahead inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo finished clinically from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors continued to control the early stages, and Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled the advantage but could not take a clear opportunity.
Amorim’s side held a narrow lead at half-time, although Liverpool came out strongly after the break. Cody Gakpo struck the post early in the second half, showing the home team’s intent.
Around the hour mark, Amorim made changes, bringing on Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to add energy and stability.
Liverpool’s pressure was eventually rewarded when Gakpo equalised from close range with just over ten minutes remaining. United responded almost immediately, as Harry Maguire rose highest to head home and restore the lead.
Arne Slot’s men continued to press in the closing moments, but United’s defence remained solid to secure their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Matheus Cunha’s brilliant performance
Out of the three new attacking players signed during the summer, Matheus Cunha has had the slowest start, with the Brazilian yet to register a goal or an assist, partially owing to a hamstring injury that has limited the 26-year-old’s play time so far this season.
Šeško’s omission from the starting lineup was perplexing to many, having scored in his last two games, and also with it being thought that he could give Ibrahima Konaté, who has underperformed this season, a hard time.
Amorim instead opted for Cunha to start as a striker, who did well against Liverpool, playing well up top, but also crucially was able to drop deeper to add an extra man in United’s midfield, which has been criticised all season.
Despite not scoring or assisting for United yet, the Brazilian can seemingly do everything else, and adds some much-needed flair and skills that a traditional Brazilian winger would bring to a side.
Sports Writer Sam Pilger spoke on Cunha’s performance against Liverpool, saying: “Matheus Cunha has not yet scored for Manchester United, but my word, what a beautiful player, full of composure, skill, flair, courage and character. An incredible signing who is only getting started.”
Man Utd’s attacking link-up improving
After scoring just three times in September, United already have 4 with a game still to play this month, a positive sign for the attack.
It was always going to take time for the three new forwards to adjust to life at United, and for them to find their feet in Amorim’s tactical setup, but there are some good signs to take from their last couple of games.
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The other factor to take into account would have been the time needed for existing players to gel with the new signings, and it looks like that is now well underway.
Especially on the right side, Amad and Mbeumo have linked up excellently in both the game against Liverpool as well as against Sunderland, before the international break.
As Cunha looks to get a run of games together following his return from injury, he will look to build up that same chemistry with Dorgu or Diogo Dalot.
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