Manchester United finally broke their 13-month hoodoo with a 2-1 win at the home of their biggest rivals on Sunday.
The result against Liverpool meant the Red Devils have clinched back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time under Ruben Amorim.
It was Bryan Mbeumo who got the ball rolling at Anfield, with the Cameroonian scoring within the first minute. The visitors had chances to increase their lead, but the hosts held on for dear life at times.
The second half was almost one-way traffic as the home side attacked in waves, and despite some last-ditch defending, the dam finally broke in the 78th minute when Cody Gakpo equalised.
Mentality needs to be applauded
At that point, with a raucous Anfield egging Liverpool on, it almost seemed like the match was only going to head in one direction.
But Harry Maguire had other ideas. The centre-back, who was brought in for Sunday’s game, rose highest to plant home Bruno Fernandes’ cross past the opposition keeper.
The fact that the Red Devils weathered the storm and came out on top showed the team’s mentality. Amorim will be delighted, not only with the win but also the mature performance and the never-say-die attitude.
It was United’s first win at Anfield for almost nine years, and the result means the 20-time English league champions are only three points off second place.
Nobody would have thought that was possible given the start to the season, and the recent negative media coverage.
Mbeumo, Amad combined brilliantly
Amorim will also be delighted with the understanding developing between Amad and Mbeumo on the right. Both overlapped and underlapped in tandem, which caught Arne Slot’s side out, especially in the first half.
The first goal came as a result of that understanding, with Amad knowing exactly when to prod his through ball to the onrushing Cameroonian.
The duo dovetailed brilliantly and could have combined to score more, but this is a great sign of things to come.
Now for the team to show a bit more consistency, and kick on from here. They have done the hard part, now with the monkey off their backs, Amorim must demand more.
Feature image Michael Reagan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
