How Amorim’s Tactical Plan Outclassed Slot

Breaking down the direct tactics that exposed Slot's Liverpool

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United managed to secure their first victory at Anfield since 2016, making it four losses on the trot for Arne Slot. But how did they do it?

Man Utd’s Direct Tactics

Amorim’s men were able to find the breakthrough early in the game with a familiar routine, going direct from the goal kick and looking to battle for those second balls with their midfield net behind the first contact (Mbuemo in this case).

From this scenario, United are able to get the ball to Amad Diallo 1v1 against Milos Kerkez, opening space for Bryan Mbeumo to attack on the blind side of Virgil van Dijk, causing an issue for the Liverpool defensive line as they tried to pass the man on, allowing United to take the lead after just 62 seconds and change the frame of the contest.

United’s 5-4-1 Press

The early lead in this game allowed United to sit in a more compact 5-4-1 block, looking to defend zonally, giving Liverpool space and time on the ball in deeper areas, but forcing them to play risky passes between the lines or over the top.

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Liverpool have struggled this season when it comes to their build up, losing Trent Alexander-Arnold who would’ve likely thrived in a game like this, having time to drop deep and pick his head up, spraying those quarterback type passes into the front line.

Instead, Ibrahima Konate was often tasked with making these line breakers, with Mbeumo and Mason Mount looking to cut off the passing lanes to the fullbacks tucking inside, whilst Matheus Cunha dropped onto Ryan Gravenberch to stop him turning and carrying through the lines instead.

After an effective first half, limiting Liverpool to just 0.70 xG from seven shots, United went one step further in their compact 5-4-1 block, dropping the inside forwards behind the fullbacks to limit the space between the lines, putting the onus on Liverpool to break them down.