Manchester United are looking to make it two victories on the bounce and inflict further misery on Liverpool this Sunday, and Michael Owen thinks they could do it because expectations will be low
Michael Owen.
Michael Owen believes sitting back could be key to beating Liverpool.
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Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has claimed that Ruben Amorim's side could thrive from being the underdogs and pile the misery on Arne Slot.
The arch-rivals meet on Sunday, as United look to make it two wins in two and further compound a miserable run for Slot's side, who come into the match off the back of three consecutive defeats.
Amorim alleviated some of the pressure on his position with a victory over Sunderland before the international break, but he will be looking to build up some momentum now after a slow start to the season.
The Portuguese tactician has talked up a good game as he looks to turn the tide at United. Ahead of the trip to Liverpool, he insisted he would challenge his players to change their mentality and turn up when the pressure is on.
Despite Liverpool's poor form, Slot's men remain the favourites, and Owen thinks that could play into United's hands. The 45-year-old, who spent three years at United, believes Amorim's men are more likely to perform when expectations are low and could pull off a smash-and-grab win.
Speaking exclusively to the MEN via casino.co.uk, he said: "Whoever Liverpool were going to play after the break, they need to get back on track, don't they?
“They'll be pleased to be in front of the home crowd, after the away defeats to Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea. They’ve got a good record against Manchester United in recent years.
“Manchester United won't be looking forward to going to Anfield. No team looks forward to going to Anfield!
“That being said, a small part of me thinks that it's better for Manchester United to go to Anfield right now, rather than to play at Old Trafford. At Old Trafford, you've got to show some form of ambition. You've got to go out and attack, even if you die on your sword. You've got to push the boat out and take a couple of risks."
Owen, who started his career at Anfield, added: “You're in front of your home fans, and they demand that. Whereas at Anfield, I don't think you'll get criticised for just parking the bus, getting everybody behind the ball and playing on the counter-attack.
“It probably suits Manchester United; they hate giving space behind their defence. They haven't got any pace at the back. It suits them to sit on the edge of the box and defend.
Ruben Amorim reacts
Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday
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“Their defenders are probably some of the best in the league for standing on the edge of the box, heading it out, volleying it out and just generally being big, tough, old-fashioned centre halves.
“The game could suit Manchester United in many ways, assuming they play for a nil-nil, maybe hit Liverpool on the break. I would suggest it's going to be Liverpool in possession a lot of the time, trying to prise them open and then United counter-attacking when they can.”
The comments from Owen challenge the mentality that the United boss is trying to transform. Amorim came close to ending their wait to win at Anfield last season, with Harry Maguire missing a chance late on as the game ended 2-2.
Liverpool's home hasn't been a happy hunting ground of late, but Amorim reaffirmed that the philosophy of the club against their rivals has to change.
He said: "Maybe the expectations when you have to win and the responsibility of winning, it is so much harder to play like that, that is why when you play for big clubs you need to win every match, especially when people are expecting you to win and we have some difficulties to deal with that when you guys expect Manchester United not to win that game, maybe it is easier for the players to perform and we need to change that.
"To change that We need to have more confidence to win games, gain more points and more free[dom] to play the game.."
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