“Massive spaces around the middle” – Bruno Fernandes reveals how Man United outsmarted Liverpool | OneFootball

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Liverpool as the Red Devils claimed back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time under Ruben Amorim.

Man United were bouncing following a win before the international break and took that confidence into the tie against the Reds at Anfield.

Amorim’s side opened the scoring in the second minute before Liverpool restored parity in the second half via Cody Gakpo, who had hit the post twice.

United reprised the lead thanks to a header from Harry Maguire, inflicting a fourth straight defeat on the Premier League champions.

After the game, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed how they managed to tame their rampant Merseyside arch-rivals.

The Portuguese midfield maestro said (via the BBC), “We knew that we had to win our duels. In the first ten minutes, we knew they would try to start the game very strong.

“Also, in the first half, we understood that they were under pressure when they had time on the ball, the fans were putting them in a difficult position and booing for them to play quicker.

“We wanted to slow their game, and we knew that would give massive spaces around the middle.

“In the second half, we could have played a little bit more on the ball.”

Fernandes’ comments were echoed by defender Matthijs De Ligt, who added that United specifically targeted Liverpool’s full-backs, knowing their vulnerabilities.

It’s an admission that will give Liverpool boss Arne Slot plenty to think about as he looks to steady a side that has now lost four on the spin.

The balance between their attacking verve and defensive exposure remains a key issue.

For Man United, though, this victory feels like more than just three points. It represents momentum, something Amorim’s side must now build on.

With Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur up next, these back-to-back wins provide a foundation of belief.

Sustaining that confidence could finally spark the consistency that’s eluded the Red Devils for months.