Manchester United’s five things noticed as three stars deserve special shoutouts vs Liverpool

Five things noticed as Manchester United secured a 2-2 Premier League draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United travelled to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on a cold Sunday afternoon.

The tie started with United looking to slow play and control possession, although André Onana had to be called into action a few times in the early moments. Amad Diallo had a good chance in the 20th minute, but to no avail.

United continued to play well, with Rasmus Højlund having a great chance just before half-time, although Alisson denied him.

In the second half, United came out with even more fire, and their gamble was rewarded as Lisandro Martínez fired United into the lead after a brilliant reverse pass from Bruno Fernandes fed him through on goal.

However, five minutes later, Liverpool hit back, with Cody Gakpo selling Matthijs de Ligt with a dummy and emphatically finishing past Onana. Amorim reacted by throwing Alejandro Garnacho on, and his punt was rewarded when the youngster assisted Amad Diallo with an equaliser with 10 minutes to play.

With time running out, both sides went for the jugular, but neither could secure three points as multiple good chances were wasted.

#1 – Amorim sticking to his guns despite stats

Ahead of the Liverpool game, a rather alarming statistic emerged that United were yet to score a Premier League goal when the two wing-backs on the field were natural full-backs.

Amorim was asked ahead of the game why he selected Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot for the position. He explained that he wanted strong defenders against Liverpool.

Although United were able to buck the trend through Martínez’s goal, and both full-backs must be praised for how they played, it’s clear that the side will improve once a new left-back is signed.

#2 – Training sessions have made a difference

Amorim was keen to point out during the pre-match build-up that he was glad he finally had some training time with his team ahead of the game, and it showed.

Although Liverpool were still the superior side – no one doubts this – United looked much more confident on the ball and were not afraid to show themselves as options for passes, which is a huge improvement from the last few performances.

#3 – Confidence is key for United right now

What the tie showed, beyond the result, was that United players can play good football as long as the players have the confidence to do so.

The confidence gave United time and space on the ball, with the players able to trust each other in possession,

In an ideal world, United’s players should not be relying on confidence to play well, but after the series of losses in the last three weeks, the confidence that the training this week has given the squad is a boost that Amorim must ride the wave of.

#4 – A special shoutout to three players

Bruno Fernandes was brilliant, but three other players deserve to follow their efforts. After a series of performances that led to criticism, Kobbie Mainoo was in both the defensive and attacking phases.

Next to the youngster, Manuel Ugarte was also phenomenal in his role, winning multiple challenges in the middle of the park against a strong midfield while continuing to improve on the ball despite initial issues at the club.

Read More: Player Ratings – Liverpool vs Manchester United (Premier League)

Finally, after a week of praise from the head coach, Harry Maguire must be applauded for his role as the middle centre-back, missing very little against a potent and ever-shifting Liverpool attack.

#5 – A statement of vindication for Amorim

After weeks and weeks of shouts that Amorim should change the system his side are playing as the players were not good enough, the performance against Liverpool will leave the 39-year-old feeling vindicated.

He has been saying all he needed was time on the training ground to help guide the squad, and after just a few days, the difference has been obvious, and the shouts for a change in the system will surely die down.

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