Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Manchester United will embrace a more direct playing style as they prepare for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
The Portuguese coach urged his players to be “more aggressive” and ready to exploit second balls to break through the Reds’ pressing structure.
Man United to go more direct
With several Premier League sides, including Everton, Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel’s England, adopting long-ball systems this season, Amorim is steering United in the same direction.
“We have players with a lot of power up front,” he said. “If we win a second ball, we can skip all that build-up and create scoring chances. We just need to be more aggressive against Liverpool.”
The United boss also highlighted new goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ ability with both feet as a tactical advantage. “It’s harder for teams to press him from one side,” Amorim explained. “But he needs to be ready.”
Data supports the shift
Long throws and set-piece goals have increased across the league, with long throws doubling per game and nearly half of all goal-kicks (48.4%) now reaching the opposition’s half.
Amorim’s use of direct play paid off in the 2-0 win over Sunderland, where Diogo Dalot’s long throws and Benjamin Sesko’s knock-on created decisive moments.
Struggles for consistency
Despite flashes of progress, Amorim’s United are still battling inconsistency. The Sunderland victory marked just their second win in three games, but the team remains without consecutive league wins under his tenure, nearly a year after his arrival.
“I’m trying to understand why we’re not winning back to back,” he said. “There are a million factors, but I’m not overthinking it.”
Tough test at Anfield
United face an uphill task at Anfield, where they haven’t won since Wayne Rooney’s strike in 2016.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost only three home league games since the start of the 2021/22 season.
The Red Devils are also yet to win their first game after an international break during Amorim’s reign.
