Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United revolution: How four new signings silenced Anfield and stunned Liverpool
Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield to record their first back-to-back Premier League victories under Ruben Amorim.
Although their summer acquisitions were crucial to the victory, Harry Maguire scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute after heading home a cross from Bruno Fernandes.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of United and head of INEOS, made significant summer investments and supported Amorim by bringing in more than £200 million in first-team players.
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We’ve examined the performances of those four players for Manchester United at Anfield.
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko was the only summer acquisition still on the United bench before the match began, despite Lammens, Mbeumo, and Cunha all starting against Liverpool.
However, after replacing Mason Mount in the 61st minute, the Slovenian international, who cost up to £73.7 million to sign from RB Leipzig, made a powerful cameo performance.
Sesko gave United a focal point in the final minutes by winning three of his four aerial duels, and United used more long balls at Anfield to relieve pressure on the defence.
In addition, he made three recoveries, one block, and two clearances. The 6′ 4in striker, who has more all-around skills than Rasmus Hojlund, had just one shot but dazzled with his incredible link-up play beyond the penalty area.
Senne Lammens
Lammens maintained his position in goal for the trip to Liverpool after making an outstanding debut in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
The 23-year-old, who paid £21.7 million to join from Royal Antwerp at the close of the summer transfer window, was unimpressed with the event and the Anfield environment.
He assertively controlled his penalty area and gave his defenders confidence that they frequently lacked when playing in front of Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
The goalie made five saves against Liverpool and stopped 1.33 goals based on the xG of shots he faced, despite not being able to achieve a second clean sheet.
He saved Alexander Isak’s attempt with his foot in the first half, preventing him from scoring Liverpool’s first Premier League goal. That was the best save of the game.
At the end of the game, Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Diogo Dalot all gave the little Belgian hugs. Former United goalie Peter Schmeichel also gave him a big hug as he exited the field.
Maguire remarked, “I must admit that Senne Lammens has greatly impressed me.” He is playing in the most demanding position at Manchester United, so I don’t want to go ahead of myself. He has everything, though. Excellent personality
Amorim continued, “He was really important.” Sometimes, since they got two chances on the post, it takes a little bit of luck. It can alter the story, how you view the squad, the goalie, or anything else.
The fact that he demonstrated a great deal of character and quality is something we must acknowledge, but Lammens is also the reason we won.
Matheus Cunha
Benjamin Sesko was benched against Liverpool, and Amorim used Cunha as a false nine, even though he had scored in consecutive Premier League games prior to the international break.
Although the choice caused some controversy prior to the game, Cunha’s presence allowed the United front three to move freely, which made the Liverpool defensive four’s movements unpredictable.
Over the course of the ninety minutes, the Brazil international was a continuous thorn in Liverpool’s side, recording more touches (55), and successful dribbles (two) than any other United player.
At Anfield, he tried 13 duels, made two headed clearances, made one interception, and made six recoveries while bringing a hard work ethic to the frontline.
His amazing ball-carrying skills and ability to hold onto the ball were also very important, especially in the closing minutes as United managed to win.
Rio Ferdinand, a former centre-back for United, stated, “I thought Matheus Cunha was magnificent, especially in the second half when we needed someone to give us some time and relief.”
He’s a fantastic football player, in my opinion, and once he’s in his element, he will occasionally be nearly impossible to play. He exudes confidence, and I adore Cunha.
After joining United from Wolves in the summer, the 26-year-old has had a difficult start to his career and has yet to score or provide an assist.
However, his performance at Anfield was without a doubt his greatest while wearing a United shirt, and he is now beginning to demonstrate why his £62.5 million release clause was activated.
Bryan Mbeumo
Before ultimately agreeing to pay Brentford an initial £65 million and £6 million in possible add-ons, United made two unsuccessful summer bids for Mbeumo.
By sprinting onto Amad’s pass and squeezing the ball under Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Cameroon international has begun to repay that cost and provided United a fantastic start at Anfield.
One of United’s greatest strengths was his link-up play with Amad, and Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez found it difficult to compete with the two.
The 26-year-old winger made an impression at Anfield as well with his work off the ball, stretching the opposition with his unselfish running and leading the press.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney stated, “In my opinion, Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United’s best player this season and he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves for his efforts and sacrifices made for the team.”
It seemed like a fantastic objective to me. When United signed him, I must admit that I was a little doubtful about his ability to play for Manchester United.
However, he has since shown me that I was mistaken. He has been a fantastic addition to the team, and he is by far United’s finest player this season, in my opinion.
