ENGLAND, Britain – Manchester United is preparing for a tough and decisive match against its traditional rival, Liverpool, on Sunday, in the eighth round of the English Premier League.
This will be the 100th match between the two teams. Red Devils fans are hoping for their first victory at Anfield since January 2016.
Amorim under pressure… and the opportunity to correct the course
Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, who is nearing the end of his first year at Old Trafford, is still searching for technical stability and convincing results. He has yet to lead the team to two consecutive league victories.
Amorim is well aware that facing Liverpool on their home turf represents a major test, not only for the team but also for his coaching future. He said in a press conference last Thursday:
“You know, I know, and Jim (Ratcliffe) knows that football is not just about the support. It’s about the next game.”
A stumbling start and an uncertain future
Manchester United finished last season in 15th place, their worst position in 51 years. They also failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Things haven’t changed much this season, with the team currently sitting in tenth place in the standings, having lost three of its first seven matches. It also exited the League Cup with a surprise defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby.
Challenges continue… and absences are impactful.
Given this situation, United will be without several key players for the match against Liverpool. Amorim confirmed the absence of Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez, who has yet to recover from his knee injury.
The participation of Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui also remains in doubt, given his absence from the match since the team’s victory over Chelsea last September.
The participation of Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui also remains in doubt, given his absence from the match since the team’s victory over Chelsea last September.
“We’re trying to balance everything so everyone is ready,” Amorim said. He added that Diogo Dalot did not participate in Portugal’s last match, while Bruno Fernandes played only 62 minutes and was given an extra day to rest.
Win at Anfield…more than 3 points
For United fans, a win at Anfield won’t just mean three points. It will break a historic jinx, restore confidence, and prove the team is on the right track after years of failure.
As for Ruben Amorim, the victory over Liverpool could mark the beginning of a new era, or a postponement of any future reckoning if the erratic results continue.
