Have Red Devils finally found their identity?

WHILE Ruben Amorim may have achieved a number of firsts in securing a rare victory at Anfield, it is the nature of the 2-1 win that the Portuguese manager will find most pleasing. It wasn't just the scoreline - though ending nine years of frustration on Merseyside matters to Red Devils fans starved of recent success - but the measured, controlled way they did it.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

RUBEN Amorim's United ended a nine-year wait at Anfield, with a 2-1 win, showcasing discipline, grit, and tactical precision.

(AFP)

Under Amorim, United finally looked like a side with a plan and purpose, one they were able to execute with dogged determination.

Where previous managers approached Anfield as a damage limitation exercise, Amorim brought courage and conviction, buoyed no doubt by the home side's faltering recent form. His team pressed in waves, controlled the midfield corridors, and turned Arne Slot’s structure inside out, exposing obvious cracks in a creaking foundation - especially at the back.

They were able to play through Liverpool’s lines with consummate ease, particularly down their right flank, where Reds left-back Milos Kerkez endured a torrid time at the hands of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, while skipper Virgil van Dijk bears much of the blame for United’s opener.