Manchester United clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Anfield, their first win there since 2016. Harry Maguire was the match-winner, heading a cross after Cody Gakpo cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike.
The victory’s foundation was arguably a pre-match hint. Manager Ruben Amorim’s surprise line-up “mastered Arne Slot before a ball was even kicked,” unsettling the Liverpool manager. Slot was caught off guard:
“The decision even caught Slot by surprise as shown in his pre-match interview. He was left guessing when asked how United would line up in the forward area,” the article detailed.
This tactical confusion immediately benefited United, who scored on their first attack within two minutes. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens delivered a confident performance.