MANCHESTER UNITED ended their nightmare Anfield run with a famous victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
Harry Maguire leapt highest in the closing stages to seal a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals.
Bryan Mbeumo got United off the mark after just 61 seconds with a tidy finish after being slipped in behind by Amad Diallo.
The hosts briefly got back on level terms through Cody Gakpo before Maguire’s winning header.
Ruben Amorim’s side were heavy underdogs going into the match in almost every category due to recent history.
However, the Portuguese manager was able to make some important changes to his team which helped them topple the reigning champions.
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And now our tactics man Dean Scoggins explains how United got one over their fierce rivals…
Man Utd’s midfield ‘vortex’
United were able to get themselves a massive advantage on the pitch with their “midfield vortex”.
This saw them empty out the midfield and prevent Liverpool from establishing control in that area.
Amorim set up the team to play with a mid-block defensively in his usual 3-4-3 and 5-3-2 formations with and without the ball.
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Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were all superb.
They effectively moved between their defensive shape and dangerous attacking threats.
They also appeared to be well drilled in what Liverpool would do on the ball which helped them anticipate and exploit their weaknesses.
United’s midfield ironically mirrored Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag‘s “doughnut midfield”.
It was able to see Liverpool’s midfield dragged out of position which meant there was a lack of options when trying to advance against the Red Devils.
United were effectively able to isolate and outnumber Liverpool’s midfield throughout the match.
The visitors would get the extra man needed by seeing Mbeumo move more narrow which would allow Cunha to drop deeper and Mount become the extra man.
When they would win the ball back Fernandes, Mount and Mbeumo could sprint from central positions to the wings creating space and dragging Liverpool all over the place.
Liverpool stars Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister did not help as they would often leave Ryan Gravenberch isolated by trying to run in behind.
This allowed United’s defenders Matthijs De Ligt and Luke Shaw to jump out of the back three and aggressively close down.
Liverpool were left chasing shadows and were unable to utilise their usual strengths and were “basically defused”.
United’s perfect execution of the vortex left the Reds ineffective over the 90 minutes.
Mbeumo ‘Bry on life’
Bryan Mbeumo made an immediate and decisive impact at Anfield with his goal just seconds after kick off.
The early strike boosts the mood among United fans and allowed the team to execute a tactically disciplined display.
His positioning was key for the team as he started on the right-wing but would drift inside, leading to confusion for left-back Milos Kerkez.
The Hungarian would be caught between two minds as to whether he should follow the attacker or stick to his position.
The issues Kerkez faced were evidenced when Fernandes hit the post and Cunha was able to get some space that Mbeumo had forced open.
Mbeumo was also able to occupy Virgil Van Dijk’s attention which made it difficult for the Dutchman to support Ibrahima Konate.
This would in turn open up spaces that United were able to take advantage of.
Mbeumo’s role mirrored how he would play for Brentford under Thomas Frank.
At the Gtech Community Stadium, he would play in various positions including wide right and as a false nine.
His flexibility, tactical discipline and ability to occupy the half spaces made him key in Amorim’s tactics against Liverpool.
Mbeumo’s combination of work rate and tactical intelligence and adaptability was vital to United dominating the midfield battle.
Ooh aah, (Matheus) Cunha!
Matheus Cunha was a crucial tactical part in the United “vortex” deployed against Liverpool.
His main contribution was defensive and organisation as he served the wide game plan.
Instead of trying to occupy Van Dijk and Konate he was instructed to sit off and stop the hosts playing through the midfield.
His job was to specifically target deep-lying playmaker Ryan Gravenberch preventing him from dictating possession.
Cunha would drop deeper alongside Fernandes as Casemiro would be the anchor in the triangle.
This allowed United to be compact and block passing lanes, further disrupting the Reds’ gameplan.
The former Wolves star was also heavily involved in picking up the loose ball and being able to latch on to second balls.
He was able to reclaim possession around these loose situations, which helped United maintain control and disrupt Liverpool’s transitions.
Cunha’s efforts meant Liverpool were handicapped in midfield, with players out of position and gaps opening up across the pitch.
His tactical discipline and willingness to put in the dirty work contradicted perceptions from his time at Wolves as a flair player.
The win over Liverpool showed that Cunha has bought into United’s tactics and that he will contribute with hard work and thrills.
Harry Maguire on fire
Harry Maguire was fundamental to the victory, outside of scoring the winning goal.
The defender was a leader in the back three and he set the standard with his positioning and decision-making.
Maguire was able to dictate the movements of his fellow defenders De Ligt and Shaw.
He was able to provide cover for them if either of them moved up and out of position.
Maguire came out on top with aerial duels and defensive clearances – he made eight and dealt with low and high crosses into the box.
His reward came in the form of a goal as he headed home after a well-executed volley cross by Fernandes.
He is seen as a specialist for matches where United need leadership and aerial dominance in a mid-block system.
The defender’s contract is set to expire next year and he has proven he could be worthy of an extension.
Woe for Mo Salah
Mohamed Salah struggled in the defeat to United as he was effectively defended.
The Egyptian star was unable to exploit United’s tactical organization and was often doubled up on.
He would often see his space limited by a combination of Mount, Diogo Dalot and Shaw.
Salah was also playing again without early passes that he had been accustomed to with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
This meant he would have to turn backwards and see his impact reduced.
At times he was not willing to come off the wing which saw him have a limited role and allow United’s “vortex” to work.
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His best moment in the game came when he did drift inside and set up Gakpo for a chance on goal.
But Salah was also guilty of hindering attacks and missing a clear chance himself.
