The year 2024 is over, thank God. The few calendar years were quite bleak for those calendar years Manchester United Convincing, even with a surprise FA Cup win in the middle.
Fresh from the worst they have ever had Premier League This season, the Red Devils look intent on breaking that record amid a frankly disastrous 2024/25 campaign so far, with… Reuben AmorimMen deservedly languishing in Bottom half of the table.
Six defeats in just 11 games under the new boss has seen United fail to even enjoy the typical 'bounce back' after a change in the dugout, with that record looking set to get worse ahead of Sunday's trip to face the league leaders. Liverpool On Merseyside.
Without a win at Anfield since the days of Louis van Gaal in 2016, having failed to even score in any of their last five trips to face their rivals, the omens do not bode well for this struggling group.
However, this is a new year, time to turn over a new leaf. And what better way to start 2025 than to stop? Arnie slotaspect and their seemingly unstoppable title parade.
|
Manchester United's last record at Anfield (all matches) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
date |
a result |
Top scorers |
|
December 17, 2023 |
0-0 (D) |
nothing |
|
05 March 2023 |
7-0 (left) |
Jacopo (x2), Salah (x2), Nunez (x2), Firmino |
|
April 19, 2022 |
4-0 (left) |
Foul (×2) Diaz, Mane |
|
January 17, 2021 |
0-0 (D) |
nothing |
|
January 19, 2020 |
2-0 (left) |
Van Dijk, Salah |
|
December 16, 2018 |
3-1 (L) |
Mane, Shaqiri (x2); Lingard |
|
October 14, 2017 |
0-0 (D) |
nothing |
|
October 17, 2016 |
0-0 (D) |
nothing |
|
March 10, 2016 |
2-0 (left) |
Sturridge, Firmino |
|
January 17, 2016 |
0-1(w) |
Ronnie |
|
March 22, 2015 |
1-2(w) |
Sturridge; Eyes (×2) |
They have already upset the odds at Etihad, so why can't Amorim's men do it again on Sunday? All they need to do is look to the past, to conjure a little of the magic of Juan Mata…
Juan Mata's heroics at Anfield
Signed from rivals Chelsea With a deal worth 37.1 million pounds sterling In January 2014, the Spanish World Cup-winning player had yet to reach the heights of the United shirt he displayed at Stamford Bridge, having scored remarkably 86 goals and assists In just 135 games in west London, while winning the Champions League.
Often moved to the right wing during his days at Old Trafford, a succession of managers never seemed to play to the playmaker's strengths, with few talents in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era possessing that level of silk and sophistication. That ability to create something out of nothing.
It may not have been shown often, but Mata certainly had his moments, particularly on that glorious day in March 2015, when Van Gaal's side cruised to a 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals.
Now, this wasn't a fearsome Liverpool team, with then-manager Brendan Rodgers suffering from a post-Luis Suarez period and post-title hangover, but a win at Anfield – now a rarity these days – is never something to be underestimated. .
At the heart of this win was the undersized Mata, as the former Valencia star put the visitors ahead with a rare right-footed shot in the first half, after being played beautifully by compatriot Ander Herrera.
With the home side reduced to ten men just seconds after half-time after substitute Steven Gerrard's reckless challenge on Herrera, United took full advantage, with Mata – who was crossed by Angel Di Maria – producing one of the great recent moments of this match. . After he hit a stunning scissor kick from inside the area.
While Daniel Sturridge's late goal, as well as Wayne Rooney's missed penalty, sparked somewhat of a tense crescendo, United – inspired by the number eight – held on for all three points.
Of course, Liverpool's current squad presents a much tougher test, yet Amorim hopes his key figures will step up, and nowhere more so than in his answer to Mata…
The Manchester United star who could be Mata 2.0
Looking for the positives this season is difficult for United, with December, in particular, having been particularly tough, amid a run of four successive defeats in all competitions.
However, it is easy to forget that just weeks ago the Red Devils were on a high after adding to the gloom for Manchester City in the derby, with some… Imad Diallo Guide visitors to an exciting late shift.
Indeed, the Ivorian youngster has been a real shining light in a miserable season, and it is no surprise that the club are willing to hand over the 22-year-old. A well deserved new deal in the near future.
The former Atalanta star is still yet to play 50 games for the club, but his impact this season – and not just his heroics with the Etihad – points to a player who could be central to Amorim's squad for the foreseeable future, with Seven goals and an assist He made his way in just 11 games under the new regime.
The emerging cult hero could bolster his growing stature by leading a much-needed win on Sunday, with it difficult to see who will step up and take the game with a bang, even with captain Bruno Fernandes returning from suspension. .
Equally, he would do well to try to emulate this man Mata more than Amad, with the one-time Sunderland loanee also being a creative and imaginative 'wizard' of slight stature – as is the case with Mata. Described by journalist James Copley.
More likely to operate in that right channel as Mata did his damage at Anfield nearly a decade ago, you wouldn't bet against it. £28.8k per week The maestro produces another glorious and unforgettable moment of his own on the big stage.
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Having already spoiled Jurgen Klopp's farewell tour last season Which A last-gasp winner in the FA Cup quarter-final, the rising star could trouble Liverpool's new boss in a similar way this time around.
