Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has lifted the lid on the tactical vulnerability his side specifically targeted during their crucial 2-1 Premier League victory over rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Speaking to Viaplay after the hard-fought win at Anfield, the Dutch international revealed that United’s game plan under manager Ruben Amorim focused heavily on exploiting issues in the opposition’s defence, particularly on the flanks.
The hosts started the match with Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez occupying the full-back positions, a duo which De Ligt confirmed was a major point of focus during United’s preparation.
De Ligt gave an honest assessment of the preparation, confirming the scouting report: “We knew that Liverpool had weaknesses, and that’s their full-backs.”
The successful execution of Amorim’s strategy was highlighted by Harry Maguire’s late 84th-minute winner, which secured all three points for United. The result marks United’s first league victory against Liverpool at Anfield since August 2022 and provides a much-needed platform for the club to move up the Premier League table.
The defender emphasised that the victory required intense concentration and focus from the entire squad, adding, “We were all really hyped, and the focus was very high. Today was a game that you really have to be concentrated.”