Will Amorim dare to use his 'old trick' to beat Liverpool?

The 2-2 draw against Liverpool last season could be regarded as the best performance of MU under Ruben Amorim. On that day, the Red Devils disrupted Liverpool’s game plan. However, things have changed now. The question remains: will Amorim dare to use the "old trick" again to make Liverpool drop points?

Amorim’s fond memory at Anfield

The clash between two giants of English football this weekend is truly special. While Liverpool has fallen from their peak into poor performances, MU has been inconsistent with wins and losses. Liverpool, having spent hundreds of millions on stars, including breaking the Premier League transfer record, now looks fragile. Now, everyone is waiting to see if MU can continue to trouble Liverpool or if Arne Slot’s team will regain their joy. In fact, MU nearly ended a 9-year winless streak at Anfield in the first week of 2025.

In Ruben Amorim’s first away visit to Anfield as Man United’s head coach, the visitors took the lead but then fell behind 2-1. At the 80th minute, Amad Diallo equalized for MU at 2-2. In the dying moments, Harry Maguire missed a close-range chance to win the game by shooting over the bar. This Sunday, MU will have to show that same spirit, resilience, and determination if they want to avoid extending their winless streak at their archrival’s ground to a full decade.

The prospect of Liverpool successfully defending their title to surpass Man United’s 21 trophies surely motivates MU’s stars for this “do or die” match at Anfield this weekend. But above all, MU has proven they can unsettle Liverpool, having left Anfield earlier this year with regret after failing to win.

Is Amorim using the "old trick" again?

That draw was considered the best display of Man United under Amorim, who deployed midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte shielding the defense, while captain Bruno Fernandes and Amad operated as "number 10s" behind striker Rasmus Hojlund.

However, with Amorim regularly playing Bruno Fernandes as a central midfielder alongside Casemiro this season, and his apparent reluctance to start Mainoo in the Premier League, MU will likely field a completely new midfield against Liverpool this time. Amorim might play cautiously rather than attacking at Anfield – even though Liverpool is currently seen as vulnerable after three consecutive defeats.

Summer signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha—both tending to play as "number 10s" in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system—mean Fernandes will almost certainly continue in midfield, while newcomer Benjamin Sesko will lead the attack. Mason Mount’s energetic performance and goal in MU’s 2-0 win over Sunderland before the FIFA break almost guarantee him a starting spot against Liverpool, likely replacing Cunha. This choice makes sense. First, Cunha’s form is not as good as Mount’s. Second, Cunha has traveled a lot due to Brazil national team duties, whereas Mount has not. Clearly, Mount deserves the starting role while Cunha waits on the bench.

Two key players from the 2-2 draw at Anfield last season, Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho, will be absent this Sunday for different reasons. Lisandro Martinez—who scored MU’s opening goal that day—is still recovering from a long-term knee injury, while Alejandro Garnacho—who assisted Amad’s equalizer—has now transferred to Chelsea. Ignoring Garnacho, MU has plenty of options to fill his position. As for Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw will likely replace him. Shaw is expected to be one of MU’s three center-backs in the upcoming match, alongside De Ligt and Yoro, who are currently MU’s best central defenders.

Overall, Amorim still has a squad strong enough to travel to Anfield without fear—just like they did 10 months ago. An impressive win by Amorim and his team would deepen Liverpool’s crisis, increase pressure on Slot, and help MU climb into the top half of the table after a sluggish start to the season. Theoretically, this is true, but it’s never easy to go to Anfield. Still, this might be the "perfect" moment for MU to topple Liverpool and open the door for Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, or even MU themselves to compete for the Premier League title—if they truly beat Liverpool.

To beat Liverpool, Amorim might show his players the previous season’s match at Anfield. That game could be seen as a model for Man United’s style for the rest of the season: full of energy, determination, passion, and courage—qualities that this club’s stars have never consistently displayed.

The match between MU vs Liverpool will take place at 22:30 on October 19th.

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