Man United’s Impressive…

LIVERPOOL, England — Ruben Amorim celebrated back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time as Manchester United manager after Harry Maguire‘s late headed goal secured a 2-1 victory at Anfield, leaving Liverpool reeling after their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions.

Bryan Mbeumo gave United an early lead with a second-minute goal, but Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool in the 78th minute after striking the post twice. However, Maguire capped a remarkable defensive display by scoring the winning goal in the 84th minute—the first time United has won at Anfield since Wayne Rooney’s goal in January 2016.

United now sits just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who are gearing up to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in an attempt to avoid their fifth straight loss. — Mark Ogden

Amorim’s United Achieves Crucial Win

Ruben Amorim has faced a challenging 11-month tenure as Manchester United’s head coach since taking over from Sporting CP in November. During this time, he has experienced defeats in the Europa League final and led the team to its worst-ever Premier League finish, all while his position has been in question.

This win at Anfield could represent a significant turning point for him. Achieving an away victory against the reigning champions is the highest possible achievement for his squad.

This marks the first time in his tenure that United has achieved back-to-back Premier League victories, getting them closer to the top four. The performance was equally significant, as it showcased the best display his team has produced under his leadership.

United demonstrated solid organization and confidence in defense, with Casemiro‘s experience shining through in midfield, while Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount posed a consistent attacking threat. United’s ability to withstand pressure at Anfield in the second half marked a departure from their previous tendencies to crumble under opposition pressure.

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This victory will boost Amorim and his squad’s confidence, showing them they can embark on a winning streak with upcoming matches against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur before the November international break. — Ogden

Liverpool’s Decline Becomes a Crisis

At what point does a slump become a crisis? Judging by the expressions on Liverpool players’ faces at full time, today could mark that moment.

The Reds have encountered four consecutive defeats for the first time since November 2014, and instead of rejuvenation from the international break, the issues plaguing Arne Slot’s squad appear to have intensified.

Similar to their losses against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, Liverpool was overly exposed against United, allowing their rivals to capitalize on the opportunity to strike a significant blow. At the opposite end, the champions struggled for effectiveness in the first half and squandered chances in the second, culminating in Gakpo’s glaring miss late in the match exemplifying their current struggles in front of goal.

Despite hitting the post three times throughout the match, Liverpool can consider themselves slightly unlucky not to have secured at least a point. Yet, Slot’s concern will be that his team never appeared in full control of a match they were expected to win.

While it may still be too early to win a title, it is certainly not too early to lose one. Currently, Liverpool is in grave danger of the latter. — Beth Lindop

Lammens Establishing Himself as United’s No. 1 Keeper

Senne Lammens has made a remarkable impact on Manchester United’s fortunes in just two matches since taking over as goalkeeper from Altay Bayindir. The 23-year-old made his debut in the 2-0 home victory against Sunderland two weeks prior, displaying a calmness that contrasted sharply with the error-ridden performances of Bayindir and André Onana before his arrival from Royal Antwerp in September.

A standout moment for Lammens was a crucial save with his feet from Alexander Isak in the 35th minute. However, his overall presence has done more than just that. United’s defenders now appear more composed, resulting in improved decision-making, as they have greater belief in their goalkeeper.

Despite the pressure from Liverpool in the second half, Lammens remained composed during set-pieces and corners. He could do nothing about Gakpo’s goal; nevertheless, he executed everything else efficiently, establishing himself as an essential signing for United. — Ogden

Liverpool’s Defensive Weaknesses Costing Them Dearly

If Arsenal’s defensive solidity has made them title contenders this season, Liverpool’s frailties at the back cast doubt on their ability to defend their title successfully.

The goals conceded by Mbeumo and Maguire have increased Liverpool’s total to 11 in the league this season, the worst record among the top eight teams. The recent upheaval in their back line has been notable, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold departing to Real Madrid in the summer and Andrew Robertson now relegated to a bench role.

Instead, Milos Kerkez, acquired for £40 million from AFC Bournemouth in the summer, has taken on the left-back position, but he has struggled to assert himself. His tendency to push forward often forces Virgil van Dijk to cover for him, while offensively Kerkez has not shown the same flair that earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year last season.

On the other side, Conor Bradley performed adequately against United but has largely struggled this season, and Ibrahima Konaté was outjumped during Maguire’s winning goal. The absence of Alisson Becker due to injury was certainly felt, as his replacement Giorgi Mamardashvili struggled initially with Mbeumo’s opener, though he redeemed himself with a later save from Mount.

Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities have been evident throughout the season and are now beginning to manifest in costly defeats. — Lindop

Cunha’s Efforts Shine Despite Goal Drought

Matheus Cunha is eager to net his first goal for Manchester United, but his performance against Liverpool showcased that he is contributing in many other ways.

The £62.5 million summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers made a significant impact at Anfield with his outstanding pressing, ability to control the tempo, and skill at retaining possession during challenging moments for United. The 26-year-old links play effectively, opens up defenses, and plays with tremendous self-belief and confidence, regardless of his position on the field.

Although Cunha may be frustrated with his goal tally, his contributions to the team’s overall performance remain critical. — Ogden

Salah’s Diminishing Returns?

The sight of Mohamed Salah finding himself in front of the Kop with a goal opportunity is a familiar one for Liverpool supporters, especially against United, where he has a remarkable record.

Prior to this match, Salah had scored 16 goals in 17 encounters with United and had played a role in 18 of the 25 goals Liverpool had netted against them. Thus, it was a surprise when he squandered a promising opportunity in the second half, shooting wide when the team desperately needed a goal.

The miss prompted a collective groan from home fans familiar with Salah’s reputation as a talismanic figure. Last season, he was often pivotal in driving the team toward the title.

However, this season, Salah appears to be struggling with both form and confidence and is not syncing well with British-record signing Isak, who failed to leave his mark against United.

Salah has rebounded from poor performances in the past, but with him reaching 33 years of age this summer, concerns about Father Time catching up with him may now be legitimate. — Lindop