Wayne Rooney feels Manchester United will have their backs up against the walls against Liverpool at Anfield
Manchester United heads into Sunday’s trip to Anfield under pressure. Tension continues to grow around both the players and manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who recently faced criticism from Emmanuel Petit for his response to pundits calling out United’s performances, knows that every result now carries extra weight. The north-west rivalry is about to reignite. Anticipation across both fan bases is running high, and Wayne Rooney’s recent comments add a sharper edge to the build-up.
On The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United captain Rooney predicted a very difficult afternoon for his old club. He said that Liverpool’s pride, hurt by three straight defeats, would make them dangerous opponents. The Anfield crowd rarely forgives weakness, and Rooney believes United fans won’t expect a win this time. He feels even a draw will count as a big result. The former United striker added that Liverpool’s pressure to respond after several losses could lift some weight off United. That, he says, gives them a small chance to frustrate their hosts.
“Just with Liverpool losing three games, I think that pride kicks in and the fans will know, the fans are not stupid, they know and will get behind the team and push them. So for United, I think going there, if United come away with a point, I think that would be huge.”
“I think the pressure for this game, I think purely because I don’t think United fans will be expecting three points in this game, where in other games they are.”
“I think they’ll go in a say, if we can get a point we’ll be happy with that, where I think for Liverpool, if Liverpool lose four games in a row and they lose to Man United at Anfield, I think the pressure is definitely on Liverpool for this game.”
Amorim, backed by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, now faces the task of proving his team’s progress without key defenders Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan full-back still battles for fitness despite hopes of a Manchester United return vs Liverpool. Bruno Fernandes continues to recover after international duty, which adds another concern. The Portuguese coach will demand that his team show control and confidence, especially inside both boxes. They have lacked that quality in their away games so far.
How can United make Anfield work for them?
United must play with intelligence instead of emotion at Anfield. They can exploit Liverpool’s defensive problems by targeting areas where focus dropped in recent matches. Amorim may set up his team to break Liverpool’s high line with quick transitions and direct balls over the top. Forwards such as Benjamin Sesko carry the pace and instinct to trouble defenders who push too high. The Slovenian striker has scored in his last two games, and his movement could make all the difference for the Red Devils.
The right flank offers more chances. Mohamed Salah’s limited defensive work should leave space for Patrick Dorgu, who loves to make aggressive runs and can stretch Liverpool’s backline. In midfield, Casemiro and Fernandes must disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and win loose balls. They need to slow the game when required and control the tempo.
The 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this year proved that United can compete there. They just have to stay compact, press smartly, and strike at the right time. If Amorim balances caution with courage, a point will show progress and ease the doubts that have followed him in recent weeks.