Manchester United returned from the international break to secure the biggest win of Ruben Amorim's tenure against Liverpool.
Amad celebrates with Mbeumo
Amad celebrates with Mbeumo
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"Scousers rule the country, like we've always done before," read the banner unfurled in the Kop before the game. Bryan Mbeumo was celebrating in front of Liverpool's famous stand just a few minutes later. Mbeumo gestured with his arms, as if to say, 'Are you not entertained?'.
Ruben Amorim had not won back-to-back league games before visiting Anfield on Sunday, but Manchester United won against Liverpool to get that monkey off Amorim's back in remarkable fashion.
Amorim has been under immense pressure this season, yet he became the first United manager since Louis van Gaal in January 2016 to oversee a victory away at Anfield. The win could be a tenure-defining result.
United's head coach made the decision to name Benjamin Sesko on the bench and revert to the striker-less front three he selected for the opening three games of the Premier League season.
Sesko had scored twice in his last two matches. The 6ft 5in striker was the focal point against Sunderland, which was key to the direct approach, but Amorim preferred a more industrious front line at Anfield.
The concerns that United could be toothless were made to look stupid almost immediately after kick-off. Amorim needed to get his team selection right to give United a chance of winning against Liverpool, and another big decision was starting Amad at right wing-back, despite his defensive vulnerabilities.
Amad looked capable of making something happen every time he touched the ball. His pass to assist Mbeumo was perfectly weighted and a shaky Milos Kerkez could not deal with his runs forward.
Liverpool chiefs will be wondering if they can find the receipt for Kerkez. Amad made him look silly and the away section roared whenever he was picked out by a teammate.
Lammens was booed by the Anfield Road Stand when he emerged to warm up. The 23-year-old was excellent against Sunderland, but starting at a raucous Anfield represented the biggest challenge of his career.
The Belgian sent his goal kicks long each time, despite the lack of a focal point, which helped to release the pressure. There was a sense of expectation from the terraces when Alexander Isak was played through into the box in the first half, but Lammens was equal to the effort and saved with his feet.
Casemiro played 90 minutes twice for Brazil during the international break and started at Anfield. His experience was invaluable and he was jeered when he prevented Liverpool from taking a quick free-kick.
Fernandes sent a shot into the Kop after another intelligent pass from Amad and put his hands on his head, understanding that the opportunity he had missed could have consequences. It didn't.
"We'll still win - a last-minute winner," said a Liverpool steward in the media room during the interval. There was a sense that Liverpool had been fortunate in securing late wins against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Burnley, but their luck ran out during defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.
Cody Gakpo struck the woodwork at different ends of the ground. You need quality and a touch of fortune to leave Anfield with a victory, and there were signs that hinted United could seal three points on the red side of Merseyside for the first time in nine years, including when Mohamed Salah missed from close range.
Casemiro was serenaded by United's fans when he picked up a card for a professional foul. Amorim replaced Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte and the 33-year-old was congratulated by staff as he left the pitch.
United rode their luck at times and Liverpool showed the type of determination that saw them crowned champions by equalising, finally finding a late breakthrough.
But there was one final twist. There will be chants created about Harry Maguire's winner at Anfield. Maguire slid on his knees and United staff mobbed each other on the touchline.
Liverpool considered hiring Amorim as Jurgen Klopp’s successor but were said to hold reservations over his fixation with his formation. Slot won the league title in his first season and Amorim oversaw a 15th-placed finish at United.
Amorim admitted his side could not build momentum after the Sunderland victory. It was bound to be a challenge to win back-to-back league games for the first time against Liverpool - but United did it.
Liverpool have form for getting United managers the sack. Erik ten Hag was backed to succeed by United chiefs before losing 3-0 to Liverpool at Old Trafford - and he was axed just 57 days later.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was finally put out of his misery 28 days after losing 5-0 to Liverpool at Old Trafford, while Jose Mourinho was sacked just two days after losing to Liverpool.
Amorim has insisted that United have improved this season, but there has been a lack of evidence to back up his argument until now. Amorim will not be the next United boss to be sacked after Liverpool.
The 40-year-old might turn the Reds around after all.