Rúben Amorim has spoken about one Manchester United player who played a pivotal role in his side’s 2-1 win over Liverpool despite being substituted early.
Manchester United claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, as Rúben Amorim’s side secured a vital three points at Anfield.
United made the perfect start, taking the lead inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo finished confidently from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors continued to look dangerous, and Bruno Fernandes came close to doubling the advantage but failed to convert a clear chance.
Amorim’s men went into the break with a narrow lead, but Liverpool began the second half on the front foot. Cody Gakpo struck the post soon after the restart, signalling the hosts’ intent.
Just past the hour mark, Amorim turned to his bench, introducing Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to inject fresh energy into the side. Liverpool eventually found a breakthrough when Gakpo equalised from close range with just over ten minutes remaining.
However, United responded almost immediately, as Harry Maguire rose highest to head home and restore the lead. Arne Slot’s team pushed hard for another equaliser, but United’s defence held firm to secure their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Amorim praises Amad’s performance
Having impressed in his return to the side against Sunderland before the international break, the 23-year-old once again impressed against Liverpool after a slow start to the season.
The Ivorian was instrumental in the opener, driving towards Milos Kerkez with the ball before beautifully playing in Mbeumo to score within two minutes of kick-off. Amad caused “all sorts of problems” for Liverpool’s Hungarian left-back throughout the first half, leaving him a “nervous wreck”.
Having been booked in the 52nd minute, the Ivorian was substituted before the hour mark, something that Amorim reflected on in his post-match conference.
He is perfect for that role,” the head coach said. “He was upset today when I made that sub. But it was a yellow card, a lot of man-to-man on the side, just about that. If not, he would have continued. He struggled these weeks [with a family bereavement], but we are here for him.”
Amorim needs the same from his left flank
While Amad has adapted well to life at right wing-back, linking up brilliantly with Mbeumo further ahead of him, the same can’t be said for the left flank.
With the emergence of the Ivorian on the right side, Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, has been forced to play as left wing-back, sharing that spot with Dorgu.
The Portuguese right-back looked nervous on the ball against Liverpool, and his performances this season haven’t justified a starting place in the team.
Dorgu, however, at just 20 years old is perhaps not yet ready to be regularly starting for United. Despite having pace in abundance, his balls into the box have left a lot to be desired, especially considering Šeško’s aerial prowess, which hasn’t often been utilised.
With Lisandro Martinez’s imminent return to the side, Luke Shaw will provide competition at left wing-back and, despite not being the quickest, his final ball into the box would almost certainly unlock a new goal-scoring avenue for United’s new striker to make the most of.
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