How Ruben Amorim outfoxed Liverpool with risks, trust and roaming centre backs - and what's needed now in his Man United tactical evolution, writes DANNY MURPHY
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If Ruben Amorim learned anything from Manchester United’s unexpected draw against Liverpool, it’s that being pragmatic suits his current set of players. Amorim needed a result at Anfield following a horrendous run of five defeats in six and found a way to achieve it, deservedly so.
![[Ruben Amorim's side were not too proud to cede possession to the league leaders for long stretches]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/16/93792333-14255747-image-a-56_1736180558584.jpg)
United weren’t embarrassed to show Liverpool respect to drop off and deny them space. The distances were smaller between all their players and Amorim had a central midfield pair in Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo who could run. There were long periods when United camped in and Liverpool went side to side. It was similar to how they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final and then again at the Etihad last month. They were hard to break down with a low block and countered very well.
![[Diogo Dalot used his athleticism to make torment Trent Alexander-Arnold down the United left flank]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/16/93792379-14255747-image-a-57_1736180675283.jpg)
Don’t get me wrong, United also played well with the ball. They showed a confidence to get out and cause Liverpool problems which was lacking in losses against Bournemouth and Newcastle. At the right times, the back-three – and Lisandro Martinez in particular - had the freedom to step out and follow Liverpool’s forwards into midfield which not only helped Ugarte and Mainoo stop danger, but also initiated the Argentine’s opening goal when he dispossessed Mo Salah and continued his run forward.
![[Manuel Ugarte produced his finest performance in a Manchester United shirt against the Reds]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/16/93792453-14255747-image-a-58_1736180718967.jpg)
Manchester United arrested their recent losing run with an impressive draw against Liverpool. Ruben Amorim's side were not too proud to cede possession to the league leaders for long stretches. United looked like a group of high-quality internationals who were wounded and had a point to prove. There is nothing more dangerous than a resilient group of players who have been criticised and feel obliged to show a response.
