Rúben Amorim has issued a calm response to Arne Slot’s criticism of Manchester United’s “long ball” approach following their 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield last week.
Liverpool entered the Premier League clash as clear favourites, but United defied expectations with a determined display to claim all three points on Merseyside. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United just two minutes in, before Cody Gakpo equalised late in the second half. However, Harry Maguire’s powerful header soon restored United’s lead, and Amorim’s men held firm to secure a crucial victory.
Arne Slot Questions United’s Style
After the match, Liverpool boss Arne Slot took aim at United’s tactics, suggesting they relied too heavily on long balls. “If you face a team like United, with so many quality players, and they sit deep playing long balls, going 1–0 down only gives them more belief,” he said. “If you’d told me we’d go behind to a side playing like that and still create eight to ten clear chances, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Slot later doubled down ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Brentford, pointing out how often his side had to defend direct play this season. “We’ve already had to defend 178 long balls in seven games — and against United alone, 59,” he noted.
Amorim Dismisses Slot’s Remarks
Asked about Slot’s comments, Amorim chose not to engage in a war of words. “Liverpool is in the past, I don’t want to comment — that’s not important,” he told ESPN. “What matters is preparing for Brighton. I’m happy that we can play in different ways. It was an important win, but I’ve already said we must be better with the ball. I don’t care what Slot or anyone else says — I evaluate my team myself, and we’ll keep improving.”
Manchester United now aim to continue their momentum with a third straight victory when they host Brighton at Old Trafford, while Liverpool look to end their three-game Premier League losing streak away to Brentford.
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