By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 6, 2025

Ruben Amorim said life at Manchester United has become “too comfortable” as he challenged his players to display the mentality that earned them a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday more consistently.

Few gave Amorim’s side much hope heading into their clash with the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield after a four-game losing streak.

However, the visitors were a transformed side from the meek performances in defeats to Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle, as they scored their first goals at Liverpool since 2018 and deservedly shared the spoils.

“I want to see my team play much better, but the key today is mentality,” said Amorim.

“I feel that we are, not just the players but everyone at Manchester United, too comfortable. Sometimes we need a shock, and you can see today we were a different team.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes said he was “upset” that his team showed their potential against the Premier League’s best but have underperformed consistently this season.

“Today we were a different team, not because of the system or tactical aspects of the game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is; we need to play like that every day,” added Amorim.

“Today, it’s all about focus — focus on set pieces, focus on passing the ball where we cannot lose it because, in the other part of the pitch, you have (Mohamed) Salah and (Luis) Diaz. If we have that mentality every day, we are a different team.”

Liverpool have a six-point lead at the top of the table, with a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal, who were also held to a draw by Brighton on Saturday.

However, Arne Slot admitted his side had missed an opportunity to extend their lead further and edge closer to equalling United’s record tally of 20 English top-flight titles.

Lisandro Martinez smashed United ahead early in the second half, but Liverpool rallied to lead through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s penalty before Amad Diallo equalised.

Harry Maguire could have secured United’s first win at Anfield since 2016, but he skied over with virtually the last kick of the game in a frantic finale.

“Of course, it feels like two points dropped for us,” said Slot.
Both United goals originated down Liverpool’s right as Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a torrid time before being replaced late on by Conor Bradley.

Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the European champions reportedly having a bid for the England international rejected this week.

Slot, however, dismissed suggestions that the speculation was the source of Alexander-Arnold’s struggles.

“It was clear Trent had some difficult moments, as we did as a team,” said the Dutchman.

“What affected him was having to play against (Diogo) Dalot and Bruno (Fernandes), and that tells you how much quality United have. That is what United, once in a while, do, and it is very difficult to play against them.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 6, 2025

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