Nobody is mistaking Manchester United to be favourites for their trip to face Liverpool at Anfield, but Ruben Amorim needs to lean into the fact that their greatest weakness is his biggest strength, if he’s brave.
The 2-0 victory over Sunderland just before the international break calmed the nerves somewhat, but Man Utd still haven’t won a game against a team that isn’t newly promoted, or played with 11 men.
Ruben Amorim can take some confidence from the fact that the performance at Anfield last year was arguably the finest United performance under him.
The same can repeat now if he’s brave enough to take one selection call, because Liverpool’s greatest weakness coincides with Man Utd’s biggest strength.
Ruben Amorim should target Milos Kerkez
Liverpool splurged more than £300m on new signings, one of which was Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Kerkez has effectively replaced Andy Robertson at left-back, but he has struggled to make a mark in his new surroundings so far.
His limitations in possession are coming to the fore, and teams are now actively targeting him by identifying him as a pressing trigger.
Enter Bryan Mbeumo, the Man Utd player who is arguably the most in-form at the club right now.
Mbeumo will be up against Kerkez on the day, which is a good matchup for United in isolation, but if Amorim is brave, he’ll turn that good matchup into a nightmare for Liverpool.
By selecting Amad at right wing-back, he will unleash two potent attacking talents to pin Kerkez back and prey on his vulnerabilities.
There would be a strong urge to select someone like Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui in Amad’s place just because of the spectre of Anfield.
However, big teams plan for the opposition but rely on their strength to overwhelm them. Choosing Amad behind Mbeumo to tackle Kerkez is the proactive choice. Everything else is reactive.
Mbeumo, Amad, and Patrick Dorgu will be key
The tale of United’s right-wing has already been addressed above, but their left could be equally crucial in deciding the fate of the game.
Mohamed Salah has never been one to run the length of the pitch to defend and attack, and Arne Slot has completely freed him of any defensive responsibility.
Chelsea repeatedly targeted Liverpool’s right side due to this, and found themselves in plenty of joy with numerical overloads.
If Luke Shaw starts with Patrick Dorgu down that side, they should be urged to run at a defensively fragile Jeremie Frimpong, who won’t be helped by Salah.
Liverpool boast quality players, but they don’t have a quality team as yet. There are holes in it that can be punched with some fearless football.
The wing-backs will decide the game. Amorim needs to be brave and lean into his side’s strengths instead of worrying about the opposition’s threat.
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