Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been praised for the way he set his team up to cause Liverpool “a problem” at Anfield on Sunday. Despite failing to take all three points in a thrilling 2-2 draw, it was hugely improved display from the visitors who left ruing a late miss from Harry Maguire that would have sealed all three points.
United appeared to target Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back enduring a torrid afternoon as he was frequently caught out of position.
The 3-4-3 formation that Amorim insisted he would be implementing when he arrived at Old Trafford also appeared to work effectively following a run of four straight defeats.
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Speaking on Monday Night Football, pundit Jamie Carragher outlined how the Red Devils forward players exposed the England international. “The problems they cause Liverpool with the ball, in terms of controlling the game,” he said, while analysing one piece of play down the Liverpool right-hand side.
“That front three pinned back the Liverpool back four, but especially Bruno Fernandes who was man of the match. He gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a problem, because he (Trent) didn’t want to leave him but he’d never get to Dalot. This is the system working and causing Liverpool a problem.”
Both United goals came down Alexander-Arnold’s side, firstly Lisandro Martinez firing home unmarked before Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Amad to level late on. The 26-year-old was taken off by Arne Slot in the closing stages as United pushed for a winner.
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But it wasn’t just in possession where Carragher felt United were more effective. He also outlined how much more organised Amorim’s team looked when it was the Reds who had the ball.
Looking at further clips, he pointed out who well the side transitioned and reacted to the hosts coming forward. “So instead of pressing high (when Liverpool were playing from deep), the role changes (when they attack).
“So you’ve got to get back in position, like they weren’t doing against Newcastle. Straight away on that clip, we can see them pressing high, but when they get pushed back, it’s different.”
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The United display has been widely perceived to be the best of the short Amorim era. However, rather than praise his side afterwards, the Portuguese boss instead appeared angry that they hadn’t performed in that manner consistently.
“I get more mad because of the other games. It's even harder to understand some things," he said. "This is not about the system, it's about something else. It's hard to understand even for the coach. We should get mad and disappointed.”
