The journalist makes a huge claim about the influence of Ruben Amorim, who “accuses” Manchester United players

Manchester United produced a surprisingly strong performance in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool yesterday, and Samuel Luckhurst praised Ruben Amorim’s intelligent tactics.

Amorim appears to have received a response from Manchester United as they picked up an unexpected point at Anfield, and Manchester Evening News journalist Luckhurst posted his thoughts on the matter on his official X account, formerly Twitter.

Ruben Amorim issues an exciting transfer update…

See below for an insight into Luckhurst Amorim’s clever way of criticizing his players for their fear In order to convince them to prove him wrong by putting on a much improved display in this difficult match away to their rivals Liverpool…

Amorim identified players who would run in both directions. One of the most impressive aspects about… #mufc They were not satisfied with a draw after the score became 2-2. Accusing the players of being afraid led to a brave performance. United’s best at Anfield since 2015.

– Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 5, 2025

“Accusing the players of being afraid led to a brave performance,” Luckhurst said. “United’s best at Anfield since 2015.”

Few would have expected MUFC to get anything from the trip to Anfield, where they have suffered some real defeats in recent years.

Has Ruben Amorim figured out how to make United’s players shine?

Amorim has a reputation for his tactics and style of football from his time at former club Sporting Lisbon, but we may also have seen his astute management now too.

It would have been a huge risk for the Portuguese coach to publicly criticize his players as he did, but there seems to be some benefit in hurting their pride a little and challenging them to show they can be braver on the pitch.

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It has been a very disappointing season at Old TraffordIt is clear that Amorim still has a big task ahead of it, with the team remaining in 13th place in the Premier League table.

That’s not good enough, but four points from trips to the Etihad and Anfield perhaps show there is something Amorim can build on during the remainder of the season.