Amorim Tries Something New in Attack and £35m Star is Dropped: Manchester United Simply Have to Continue Their Winning Ways as They Face Liverpool at Anfield
Manchester United travel to Anfield this weekend in what promises to be one of the defining fixtures of their Premier League season — and perhaps a landmark moment in Ruben Amorim’s early reign. The Portuguese tactician, known for his tactical innovation and bold decision-making, is reportedly planning to make a significant change in attack for the showdown against Liverpool.
A surprise twist in Amorim’s lineup is expected: a brand-new attacking setup designed to catch Jürgen Klopp’s side off guard — and the shock omission of a £35 million player who has been part of United’s forward rotation in recent weeks. This brave tactical gamble underscores Amorim’s willingness to think differently, even in one of the most high-pressure fixtures in English football.
THE STAKES: MORE THAN JUST THREE POINTS
When Manchester United and Liverpool meet, it’s never just about league standings or statistics — it’s about pride, history, and identity. United head into the clash knowing that nothing but a win will satisfy their fans, especially after an inconsistent start to the season that has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating lapses.
Amorim, however, has insisted that his side are “building something sustainable,” and that performances are beginning to reflect his footballing philosophy — a blend of structure, pressing intensity, and calculated risk-taking in attack. But now, at Anfield, the test is about mental fortitude as much as tactical execution.
Liverpool are on an impressive unbeaten run, and their performances at home have been relentless. For United, Anfield has often been a graveyard of optimism — a place where their ambitions have crumbled under the roar of the Kop. Amorim knows this history all too well, yet he’s determined to script a different story this time around.
THE BIG CALL: £35M STAR LEFT OUT
Multiple reports suggest that Amorim has decided to drop Antony, the £35 million winger signed from Ajax, from the starting lineup — a decision that has sparked significant conversation among fans and pundits alike.
Antony has endured a turbulent period at Old Trafford. Despite flashes of technical flair, his end product has remained inconsistent, with just a handful of goals and assists to show for his efforts this season. Amorim, who values efficiency and adaptability in his wide players, appears to have run out of patience — at least temporarily.
According to insiders, Antony’s omission isn’t disciplinary but purely tactical. Amorim wants more verticality and unpredictability in attack — qualities better suited to players like Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford, both of whom have the pace to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line.
“Ruben’s message is simple,” one club source reportedly shared. “If you perform, you play. If you don’t, you wait for your chance again. Nobody is untouchable.”
That ethos reflects a changing culture at United — one Amorim is determined to instill after years of inconsistency and favoritism.
A NEW LOOK ATTACK: AMORIM’S DARING SHIFT
So what exactly is Amorim planning? Training ground reports suggest a major tweak from his usual 3-4-3 system. United are expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2, with Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford paired together up front, and Bruno Fernandes positioned just behind them in a free-roaming playmaker role.
It’s a structure Amorim has used to devastating effect before — at Sporting Lisbon, where his twin-striker approach caused chaos for opponents unable to cope with fluid rotations. Now, he’s testing it on one of football’s grandest stages.
The idea is simple but daring: bypass Liverpool’s high press with quicker vertical transitions, stretch their backline with Rashford’s pace, and use Højlund’s physicality to pin defenders like Van Dijk and Konaté. Fernandes, meanwhile, will act as the creative conduit, drifting into half-spaces to exploit the gaps left when Liverpool’s full-backs push forward.
This adjustment also allows Amorim to maintain midfield control. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro (if fit) are expected to anchor the middle, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw operating as wing-backs to provide width and defensive balance.
It’s a calculated risk — one that could either silence Anfield or unravel under its pressure. But Amorim’s courage has been a defining feature of his managerial career, and he’s not about to change that philosophy now.
WHY AMORIM IS MAKING THE CHANGE NOW
There’s logic behind the timing. Amorim’s United have looked increasingly dangerous in transition, but they’ve often lacked efficiency in the final third. Too many attacks have broken down due to slow decision-making or a lack of numbers in key areas.
By shifting to a two-striker system, Amorim is addressing that issue head-on. Rashford and Højlund together give United two direct outlets for counterattacks — something that could prove decisive against Liverpool’s aggressive full-backs.
Moreover, this setup reduces the reliance on wide one-on-one specialists like Antony, instead focusing on collective movement and quick combinations. Bruno Fernandes’s roaming freedom becomes the bridge between midfield and attack, while Mainoo’s calmness ensures United can escape pressure effectively.
It’s an approach that mirrors Amorim’s philosophy at Sporting: defend smart, attack fast, and control emotions. Against Klopp’s intensity, that emotional control will be just as crucial as tactical discipline.
HOW LIVERPOOL MIGHT REACT
Jürgen Klopp is unlikely to be surprised by Amorim’s experimentation — the German coach has always respected adaptability. But Liverpool will be cautious. Their high defensive line, combined with their pressing rhythm, can be exposed if United find vertical passing lanes early.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inverted role could leave space for Rashford to attack, while Garnacho, if used as a wing-back, could stretch play and isolate Robertson on the opposite flank. Amorim’s goal will be to draw Liverpool’s back four out of shape, then attack the gaps ruthlessly.
However, Liverpool’s midfield energy, led by Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, will test United’s endurance. If Amorim’s men are pinned back for long spells, the structure must hold firm — otherwise, the floodgates could open.
THE MENTAL GAME: UNITED’S NEW ATTITUDE
Perhaps the biggest difference under Amorim is psychological. Gone are the days when United approached Anfield with damage limitation in mind. Amorim has drilled belief into his squad, a message echoed by captain Bruno Fernandes, who boldly declared earlier in the week:
“Even though they’re on a winning streak, we’re going there to win. It’s a clash of two teams hungry for victory, and I believe my team will be the one to make it happen.”
That mentality — fearless, focused, and unapologetically ambitious — represents the culture shift Amorim is driving. The Portuguese coach has reminded his players that wearing the Manchester United badge means embracing the biggest challenges, not fearing them.
CONCLUSION: A DEFINING NIGHT AT ANFIELD
Sunday’s clash at Anfield is more than just another Premier League fixture. It’s a test of Amorim’s vision, leadership, and tactical ingenuity. By dropping a £35 million star and introducing a fresh attacking setup, he’s sending a message to his players — that places are earned, not given, and that bravery is the new currency at Old Trafford.
United’s season may still be in its formative stage, but moments like this define a manager’s legacy. If Amorim’s gamble pays off, it won’t just be a victory at Anfield — it’ll be a statement to the entire league that Manchester United are evolving into something far more dangerous than before.
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