The match between Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the most worth-watching shows not only in England but also in Europe. However, the balance of power between the two teams is becoming more and more different.
Man United suffered a crushing 0-7 defeat at Anfield 2 years ago. It was an alarming decline for the "Red Devils" and it shows no signs of stopping. If calculated by the amount of money invested in the transfer market in the past few years, M.U will probably be among the teams that have converted to the worst on-field efficiency in the Premier League.
If coach Ruben Amorim wants to turn things around and shape a team according to his favorite 3-4-3 formation, he must be given time. But will the "Red Devils" leadership have enough patience?
Man United have lost nine of their 19 Premier League games this season. And even as they gradually shape their playing style, defeats are inevitable. Therefore, the owners of M.U must be strong and support Amorim because they made this decision.
In the 0-2 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford, Man United clearly lacked mobility in midfield. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have had a great career, but their combined age of 64 is a problem.
Joshua Zirkzee was substituted after just half an hour, although he was not the only player to play poorly. If you look at their starting lineup, there are very few players who really meet the requirements Amorim needs.
Marcus Rashford could be sold this month to help Amorim get better into the transfer market. Amad Diallo has been one of the few to shine since Ten Hag left, but is he really a left-back?
Kobbie Mainoo is very talented but is strong enough to play on the pitch in a 3-4-3 system where mobility is necessary? Without enough budget to buy players, Amorim will not be able to apply his philosophy through a major squad overhaul. The question is, did the Man United board choose the wrong coach at the wrong time?
If Amorim is not given the budget to solve the squad problems, who is to blame? It would be too optimistic if Man United were to fall into a relegation spiral, but for this group of players, their position on the rankings could not be high.
The transfer window over the past 10 years of the "Red Devils" has been a disaster, and now they are reaping what they have sown. The scenario of losing 0-7 to Liverpool 2 years ago is unlikely to repeat, but how can Man United cope with Liverpool's speed and energy?
The match between Liverpool and Man United takes place at 11:30 p.m. on January 5 (Vietnam time).
