𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃𝘿𝘼𝙔: Liverpool’s Possible XI vs Man United as Ruben Amorim Tries Something Brand New in Attack
The Premier League’s most historic rivalry takes centre stage once again as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield — a clash steeped in intensity, passion, and endless narratives. This time, however, there’s an intriguing tactical twist: Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly preparing to unveil something “brand new” in attack, a move designed to unsettle Jürgen Klopp’s well-drilled Liverpool side.
For Amorim, this is more than just another game. It’s a statement opportunity — his first trip to Anfield as United boss, facing one of the most fearsome home atmospheres in football. And with Liverpool on a strong run of form, the tactical battle between Amorim and Klopp could define how this game unfolds.
But before we explore United’s new attacking experiment, it’s essential to examine how Liverpool are likely to line up — and how their setup might respond to Amorim’s daring plan.
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LIVERPOOL’S POSSIBLE STARTING XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz
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DEFENSIVE STABILITY FIRST
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool have evolved tactically over the years, but the core defensive principles remain unchanged: high pressing, tight coordination, and relentless recovery runs. Alisson remains a world-class last line of defence, commanding his box and orchestrating the back line.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to resume his inverted full-back role, drifting into midfield to dictate play from deeper positions. His ability to step inside and act as a second playmaker has become a key component of Liverpool’s buildup. However, that movement can leave gaps on the right — spaces Amorim will likely target through United’s pace in transition.
Van Dijk and Konaté will need to be sharp. Amorim’s United are not shy about playing direct football when needed, using quick combinations to release forwards into dangerous zones. Robertson, on the other hand, provides the width and overlaps that stretch the field, particularly when Díaz cuts inside.
Klopp’s back line has been solid in recent weeks, but facing a rejuvenated United attack — possibly featuring a tactical surprise — will demand extra vigilance.
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MIDFIELD BALANCE: MAC ALLISTER’S INFLUENCE
The midfield battle could define this encounter. Liverpool’s trio of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch blends creativity, athleticism, and energy.
Mac Allister has been a stabilizing presence at the base of midfield, offering control and calmness in possession. His ability to dictate tempo and transition play will be crucial in breaking United’s counter-press. Amorim’s sides are known for trapping opponents in midfield, and if Liverpool lose rhythm there, they could find themselves vulnerable on turnovers.
Szoboszlai, on the other hand, brings dynamism and directness. His willingness to press high and shoot from distance makes him one of the players United must monitor closely. Gravenberch, still developing consistency, provides verticality — he drives forward, links with Salah, and supports Núñez when Liverpool overload the box.
However, with Amorim’s rumored shift in attacking shape — possibly fielding two centre-forwards instead of one — Klopp’s midfield will need to track runs diligently to avoid being pulled out of position.
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FORWARD LINE: SALAH, NÚÑEZ, DÍAZ — THE USUAL THREAT
Liverpool’s attacking trio remains a nightmare for any defence. Mohamed Salah continues to deliver decisive contributions week after week. Even when he’s not scoring, his movement, intelligence, and precision create chaos.
Luis Díaz’s return to form is another major boost. His explosiveness on the left provides width and unpredictability, and his one-on-one ability can expose United’s full-backs if they overcommit.
Then there’s Darwin Núñez — the wild card. His pace, strength, and relentless pressing often disrupt defensive lines, even if his finishing remains inconsistent. Against Amorim’s compact system, Núñez’s chaotic energy could prove essential. Klopp will expect him to stretch United’s backline, especially if Amorim uses a narrow shape to overload central zones.
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WHERE THE GAME COULD BE WON OR LOST
Anfield thrives on rhythm. When Liverpool impose their tempo early, they overwhelm teams. Amorim’s job is to silence that storm — to disrupt Liverpool’s flow, force mistakes, and create transition moments.
Liverpool’s full-backs could be key targets. With Alexander-Arnold pushing high, United may exploit the vacated spaces using pace from Garnacho or Rashford. Amorim might field both simultaneously in a dual-striker system, using Bruno Fernandes in a free role behind them.
That would represent the “brand new” element Amorim has hinted at — a shift from his usual 3-4-3 to a more aggressive 3-4-1-2, built for lightning-fast counterattacks.
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AMORIM’S NEW ATTACKING EXPERIMENT
Reports from Carrington suggest Amorim has been experimenting with a setup that places Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford as dual forwards, with Bruno Fernandes operating just behind them as a roaming playmaker.
This tactical tweak aims to bring out the best in Rashford — freeing him from defensive duties and allowing him to focus on running into space behind defenders. Højlund, meanwhile, acts as a physical focal point, dragging centre-backs out of position.
The system also gives Bruno license to move laterally, exploiting pockets between Liverpool’s midfield and defence. His creativity, combined with Garnacho’s possible inclusion as a wing-back or advanced wide runner, could make United’s attacks far less predictable.
This is a brave move from Amorim, especially against Liverpool’s intensity. But it aligns with his philosophy: proactive football, not reactive survival. United will not simply sit deep — they’ll look to fight fire with fire.
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THE MIDFIELD TEST FOR UNITED
To make this system work, Amorim will rely heavily on Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro (if fit) to anchor the midfield. Their positioning must be near-perfect to prevent Liverpool from overrunning them.
Mainoo’s composure under pressure could be vital in evading Liverpool’s press, while Casemiro’s experience will help disrupt transitions. If Amorim opts for an extra body like Mason Mount or Scott McTominay, it would signal a slightly more conservative approach, ensuring defensive balance while still maintaining counterattacking threat.
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TACTICAL BATTLE: AMORIM VS. KLOPP
This fixture offers a fascinating managerial duel. Klopp’s system is built on intensity and overloads, while Amorim’s focuses on structure and calculated aggression.
Expect Liverpool to dominate possession early, with United looking to absorb and counter swiftly. Amorim’s back three — likely Martínez, Varane, and Dalot — will need to communicate constantly to deal with Liverpool’s rotations and diagonal balls.
Amorim’s potential switch to a 3-4-1-2 could catch Klopp off guard. If executed correctly, it gives United more presence in central zones while keeping enough width through wing-backs. But if Liverpool’s press traps them deep, United could be pinned back for long periods.
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PREDICTION AND FINAL THOUGHTS
Liverpool will enter the game as favorites, buoyed by form, home advantage, and attacking fluidity. But Amorim’s tactical courage and belief in his squad’s ability to execute new ideas could make this contest far closer than many anticipate.
Bruno Fernandes’s recent comments — “We’re going there for three points, no buts” — perfectly capture the mindset Amorim has cultivated: fearless, focused, and forward-thinking.
If Amorim’s new system clicks, United’s pace and directness could shock Liverpool, just as Amorim’s Sporting once stunned Europe with their dynamic transitions. However, if Liverpool find their rhythm early, Anfield’s noise could overwhelm even the best-laid tactical plans.
Either way, fans are in for a thrilling tactical chess match between two football ideologues — Klopp’s chaos versus Amorim’s calculated revolution.
And as the teams walk out to that deafening roar at Anfield, one thing will be certain: this isn’t just another Premier League match. It’s a battle for pride, progress, and power — with both clubs desperate to prove that their era of dominance is far from over.
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