Manchester United were written off by almost everybody ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
After four successive defeats, Ruben Amorim suffered the worst losing streak of his career ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Anfield.
There wasn’t much hope or optimism around United’s fanbase on Sunday morning, with many supporters secretly hoping the game would be suspended after overnight snow.
Amorim felt United were “nervous” in recent performances, but that certainly wasn’t the case against Liverpool. The Red Devils played with confidence in and out of possession against an in-form Liverpool side that sit top of the Premier League table.
United drew 2-2 with Liverpool in what was easily one of United’s best performances this season, and it has left egg on the face of several pundits who predicted a huge Liverpool victory.
Man United prove Alan Shearer, Chris Sutton & Paul Merson wrong
Ahead of the Liverpool clash, Amorim was optimistic that United would improve after finally having some time to work with the squad at Carrington.
It turns out that Ruben Amorim had every right to be optimistic with United finally buying into his footballing philosophy and going toe-to-toe with Liverpool. By the time the full-time whistle was blown, it was United who were disappointed at the draw.
Before kick-off, no one even gave United a chance at getting a result at Anfield. In fact, Chris Sutton predicted a Liverpool demolition.
He predicted a 5-0 win for the home side and added: “The scoreline won’t hit double figures but anything else is possible, and that is me being nice to United.
“Liverpool should demolish them, and they will demolish them – it is just a question of how many goals they get.”
Alan Shearer also predicted a big Liverpool win. As quoted by Liverpool.com, he said: “I can’t see United improving that much to get anything from this game and I’d be amazed if they did.
“I can’t see any other outcome than a Liverpool victory and scoring a few goals in the process.”
Finally, Paul Merson predicted Liverpool to win and claimed it would be “the biggest shock of the weekend” if United were able to win. On another day, United could have won easily.
Ruben Amorim’s Man United vision is clear
Amorim’s arrival at Carrington didn’t quite provide the ‘new manager bounce’ that many were expecting, but Sunday showed fans a glimpse of what is possible under the Portuguese.
After a hectic December schedule, Amorim finally had time to train his players at Carrington this week and the difference was clear.
READ MORE: Paul Scholes declares new Ruben Amorim untouchable at Man Utd after Liverpool, he’s ‘surprised’ him
However, Amorim believes Sunday’s result was more down to mentality rather than training. The standards have now been set and United must stay consistent, starting with Sunday’s trip to face Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Amorim only trained the “basics” with his United players this week. There is more to come, and Sunday gave fans plenty of reasons to rally behind Amorim and his staff.
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