Man United travel to Liverpool this afternoon looking to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
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Ruben Amorim was in a jovial mood at Carrington on Friday as he addressed the media ahead of Manchester United's trip to Liverpool.
Amorim had every right to be in good spirits considering the international break which has just been and gone. Heading into it, he alleviated pressure by overseeing a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Just days later, he received public and very warm backing from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Of course, the mood could change by this evening if United are comfortably dispatched by Liverpool.
However, Amorim addressed a theory in his press conference which suggests the Reds have the right to feel a little confident going into the trip to Anfield.
When asked why results seemed to be better against so-called 'big clubs', the Portuguese head coach 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.
"We have some difficulties to deal with but 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."
Most pundits and neutrals feel that United will be second best against Liverpool. So if Amorim's theory is correct, the pressure that usually appears to be too much for these players against 'lesser' opposition should not be a factor. In the long-term, United cannot be going into matches looking to play as underdogs.
However, if that is what is needed to bring about results against the likes of Liverpool, then that's what they must embrace.
If the Reds can frustrate their old rivals, they will stand themselves in good stead to get a result as the atmosphere turns against Arne Slot's side. This afternoon's fixture will prove if this United theory is correct.
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