Arne Slot criticised Manchester United’s uninspiring tactics after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield
Manchester United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday gave Liverpool another defeat and a growing sense of frustration within the Reds. The north-west rivalry carried its usual noise and tension. However, the result followed a different pattern this time. The Red Devils, under Ruben Amorim, brought a clear plan and carried it out without fuss.
They didn’t try to keep the ball. Instead, they broke Liverpool’s structure. That approach showed from the opening moments when Bryan Mbeumo scored after a long ball that sliced through Liverpool’s defence. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s gaffer, couldn’t hide his anger after the final whistle. He said his team created several chances but failed to finish them, so they deserved more from the game.
Cody Gakpo hit the post three times, and Alexander Isak missed a clear chance on goal. Slot said no team expects to trail against a side that sits deep and plays direct football. Yet that situation confronted them. He questioned why United, with their depth of talent, chose to defend deep and attack with long passes instead of pressing higher.
The Dutchman said his team created enough chances to win comfortably, but poor finishing cost them the result. He hinted that Amorim’s methods looked practical but lacked spark. Slot suggested that such tactics showed little belief in one’s own quality. Interestingly, Amorim, before the game, also talked about why his team lose matches against big teams.
Meanwhile, Liverpool lost their fourth straight game, and Slot’s tone revealed his frustration as a manager watching his players waste good work in front of goal. His comments didn’t just focus on missed chances. They sent a clear message to the opposing bench.
“I think if you play United, with so many quality players they have … if they come to us in a low block, playing so many long balls, then the last thing you would want is to go 1-0 down.
“If you had told me that we were 1-0 down against a United team that played in the style they did, and if you had told me that we had created eight, nine, ten open chances, then I would have said to you that I don’t think that is possible.
“From all the chances we had we only scored one goal.”
Quote via: CaughtOffside
United’s direct route and Liverpool’s faltering rhythm
Manchester United’s approach at Anfield displayed a clear intent. They hit 75 long passes out of 294 total, their highest number since December 2017. That figure shows how Amorim adjusted his tactics to expose Liverpool’s pressing style. By going over the press, United forced Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez to turn and chase.
That movement opened spaces on the left side. Amorim’s long-ball plan, combined with a low defensive block, prevented Liverpool from finding space in attack. The debate now questions whether Liverpool lost tactically or simply had a poor day in front of goal. Slot’s side held 60% of possession, yet they turned control into nothing.
United broke their rhythm. Liverpool’s shape collapsed under direct pressure. Maybe the match showed both sides, Amorim’s effective direct play and Liverpool’s weak finishing. Interestingly, we reported earlier that Ruben Amorim wants Manchester United to follow Liverpool’s path to get back to the top.
However, Sunday proved that imitation doesn’t always bring success. For now, Amorim’s way worked better, though he used a style that few fans would call exciting. However, Slot should not be the one to complain, as United did what was necessary to bring out the win at Anfield.