Rio Ferdinand has highlighted the impact of one ‘unbelievable’ Manchester United star during the win over Liverpool on the weekend.
Manchester United secured a thrilling 2–1 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, thanks to a late header from Harry Maguire.
United got off to a dream start at Anfield, taking the lead inside 65 seconds when Amad set up Bryan Mbeumo to slot home the opener. Ruben Amorim’s team then had to dig deep as Liverpool piled on the pressure, hitting the post and forcing goalkeeper Senne Lammens into an important save.
United threatened on the counterattack and had chances to extend their lead, with Bruno Fernandes going close from the edge of the area. But Liverpool eventually drew level late in the second half.
Just as the match looked destined to end in a draw, Maguire rose highest to head home in the final moments, sealing a crucial and hard-earned victory for United at Anfield.
Ferdinand highlights ‘unbelievable’ Casemiro’s impact vs Liverpool
One of the most surprising names on the teamsheet at Anfield was Casemiro in the middle of midfield, even though he has become the favoured partner for Fernandes.
But after playing two full games for Brazil in China during the international break, it seemed unlikely that Amorim would start Casemiro again and many fans expected Manuel Ugarte to come into the side.
The decision to stick with the experienced South American paid off and Casemiro was one of United’s best players until he was substituted midway through the second half.
“He was outstanding in that first-half yesterday,” Rio Ferdinand said of Casemiro when speaking about the game on his YouTube channel.
“I think his positional sense and awareness in that midfield area in a big game like that was invaluable.”
United are fitter under Amorim
Both Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had a difficult job after their international travels and we have seen many times before players take time to get up to speed after these breaks.
But it wasn’t the case for either of them and Cunha was the player who helped drag United over the line in the final minutes after Maguire’s goal.
There remains plenty of question marks over the team at Old Trafford and a special win at Anfield does not answer many of them. The game against Brighton next weekend will be more important to see if some things have been addressed.
Yet, one thing that is certain under Amorim: United have become a fitter and more physical side, which is something that the Reds have struggled with in the Premier League over recent years.
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