Manchester United secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon as Rúben Amorim’s Reds put a massive three points on the board at Anfield.
Rúben Amorim chose to start Matheus Cunha at striker over Benjamin Šeško as Manchester United travelled to face Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The tie started with United in control, and within two minutes, Amorim’s side took the lead as Bryan Mbeumo notched a lovely finish from a tight angle after being fed through by Amad. Following the goal, the game became staggered, with Bruno Fernandes failing to convert a fantastic second chance.
United went into half-time with a precious one-goal advantage, but Liverpool came out swinging, and Cody Gakpo hit the post early on in the second half. With almost an hour gone, Amorim chose to send on Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Šeško to reinvigorate his side’s energy.
With Liverpool releasing an onslaught on Senne Lammens’ goal, Gakpo was finally able to finish from close range with a little over 10 minutes of regulation time to go, leaving the tie in the balance. Harry Maguire then rose highest just minutes later to restore United’s lead.
Despite Arne Slot’s team hammering on the door of United’s defence throughout the rest of the tie, Amorim’s men stood strong to secure their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
#1 – Finally, a fast start that counts for United
So often in the big games under Amorim, United have started the ties well but failed to capitalise. But against Liverpool, it was a different kettle of fish.
Mbeumo latching on to Amad’s through-ball and finishing his dinner was a brilliant piece of work from the right-hand side pairing, and it set United up with unimagined confidence. Amorim’s Reds continued to attack and should have scored at least another before 45 minutes came to pass.
With this win, there is little doubt that Mbeumo’s opening goal was just a huge stepping stone for the Reds. There will be hope in Manchester that the victory can also be a more long-term source of confidence across the next few months.
#2 – Lammens’ passing range is fantastic
When United signed André Onana in 2023, many talked about how the Cameroon international’s passing abilities and range would unlock a plethora of new avenues for United. Still, two years on, goalkeeper Senne Lammens looks much more competent on the ball.
Ahead of the tie, Amorim praised the Belgian’s ability to pass with both feet, and against Liverpool, his range and bandwidth of passing were on full display, and it was impressive.
Although he could not keep a clean sheet, Lammens was brilliant when handling the onslaught at his goal in the second half. United could have a fantastic young goalkeeper on their hands.
#3 – Cunha’s hard work didn’t go amiss
When United announced the signing of Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, some questioned whether the Brazilian had the right work rate to play both an attacking and defensive role for United.
Against Liverpool, the 26-year-old showed this well. Starting at striker, he did very well to marshal the front line as well as provide much-needed reinforcement for United’s midfield.
Cunha is yet to score or assist for the Reds since he signed, but his performance against Liverpool had everything else, and is a perfect example of the reasons why Amorim wanted him at Old Trafford.
#4 – Fernandes did not have a good game
It may go somewhat under the radar, but Fernandes did not have his best game for United while in the middle of the park at Anfield.
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On multiple occasions, especially in the second half, his challenges, passes, and movement were well below par, often contributing to United’s erratic nature in the second half and disrupting their composure.
Fernandes only needs a single moment of quality ot impact a game, with his assist for Maguire’s goal proof of this, but his overall game left much to be desired.
#5 – Amorim banished his demons vs Liverpool
The win over Liverpool has finally ended some horrific stats at United that have been hanging over Amorim’s head like demons over the last 11 months.
Finally, he secured two Premier League wins in a row, and it was also his first away victory in the league in around seven months.
United had not won at Anfield in almost a decade, but finally, the clock has been reset. The mood at Carrington will likely be at an all-time high under Amorim for the coming week, and this could be the momentum boost that’s needed to really get going under the Portuguese boss.
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