Ruben Amorim explains controversial Manchester United line-up decision vs Liverpool

Ruben Amorim has explained two controversial decisions he has made in his Manchester United line-up to face Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United return to Premier League action for their first game of 2025 in a difficult away clash against Liverpool.

The Reds are on a poor run of form, with just two wins in their last eight games in all competitions.

However, one of those wins was a stunning comeback win away from home against Manchester City, which shows that Ruben Amorim’s side can produce better performances.

Arne Slot’s side are perhaps the most in-form side in Europe, so to get a result is easier said then done. They have lost just once this season.

United’s poor record at Anfield in recent years is well known, with the last victory coming in January 2016, where Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game.

Amorim explains controversial United decision vs Liverpool

Amorim has decided to stick with two full-backs playing as the wingbacks against this strong Liverpool side.

United are yet to score a goal while two fullbacks have been operating in those wide positions under Amorim but he has decided against dropping someone like Amad Diallo in the position.

When asked about this decision on Sky Sports , Amorim cited several reasons for the decision, including the impact of set-pieces, which have hurt United in recent weeks.

“We have to take the ball in a different way like this team were used to doing it in transition, now we have to take the ball slowly, build up in a different way, I won’t change that,” he said.

“We need to give some structure to the team, strong defenders to control the game better.

“If you look, Mazraoui is maybe one of the best ones to take the ball and try and drive with the ball, we want to have the ball.

“In the last games, we suffered the first goal from set-pieces and we need strong guys in set pieces to try to avoid these moments which are really hurting us.

“From the outside, it is easy to try and choose a team in this moment, I try to choose a team that I see is the best way to win the game.”

United need to replicate Arsenal display

United started the game with a similar backline, with Mazraoui playing at left centre-back and Tyrell Malacia at left wingback.

While the performance was far from complete on that day, Amorim’s side managed to limit Arsenal’s impact from open play.

It was two set-pieces which decided the game and Amorim may be looking for a similar performance from his side to limit the in-form opposition.

However, there will need to be a much better in possession, and the United boss may look to switch those wingbacks around later in the game to pose a bigger threat in attack.

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