Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has revealed the reasoning behind his surprise decision to bench big-money summer signing Benjamin Sesko for the crunch clash with heated rivals Liverpool at Anfield. Amorim’s team selections were ultimately vindicated after watching his side sensationally beat the Premier League champions 2-1 in a pulsating clash on Merseyside.
AFPFans fume as Sesko benched at Anfield
The United boss faced a barrage of criticism online for the decision to bench Sesko, opting for Matheus Cunha to lead the line. Fans were fuming after Sesko scored in his last two outings for the club, with one saying the move was a “criminal offence”. And while Cunha didn’t score on the day, he played a key role in his team snatching a thrilling win over Arne Slot’s side, condemning them to their fourth straight defeat. After the match, Amorim explained his reasoning for dropping Sesko, who came off the bench for the final 30 minutes.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRuben reveals theory behind Sesko decision
As the United players celebrated in the away dressing room Amorim was pressed to explain the reasoning behind making such a massive call in a game of this magnitude. And the victorious boss explained: "Especially in the bad moments you have to go with your gut. The most important thing for a manager. Sometimes the characteristics of the game change the way we approach it. Cunha in the middle, if we put Ben it is easier for these kinds of centre-backs to control our striker."
He added on the significance of the final result: "Of course it is really important. I don’t have many wins in Manchester. Every detail of this game, the spirit when we suffer a bad moment, all the small things, perfect. Let’s try to do that next week."
Massive win for Utd in derby drama
In a dramatic encounter, Man Utd secured their first league win at Anfield since 2016. Bryan Mbeumo controversially put United ahead in the second minute after a fluent attack, capitalising on defensive errors by Liverpool. The hosts complained after Alex Mac Allister suffered a head injury in the build-up to the goal, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t witness the incident, and so didn’t stop play. Despite dominating possession and hitting the woodwork multiple times, Liverpool struggled to find the equaliser until Cody Gakpo tapped in a cross in the 78th minute. However, Harry Maguire's header in the 84th minute, assisted by a precise cross from Bruno Fernandes, sealed a crucial victory for Amorim's side and gave the Portuguese head coach back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since his arrival at Old Trafford. The result condemns Liverpool to a fourth successive defeat across all competitions, for the first time since November 2014.
Getty Images SportRuben looks forward to challenges ahead
The United boss was quick to move on from the win at Anfield and encourage the same efforts from his players in the coming matches, with Brighton up next. Amorim said to : "I think that was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United, it means a lot today but tomorrow it won't mean a lot, it's three points and it's a good victory. We fought for every ball, we lost our composure in the second half but the spirit was there and that is the most important thing, if you have the spirit you can win any game. It was a good day and now I am concerned about Brighton.
"We just saw the game and knew how important our set pieces are and the guys that have more experiences are on in the beginning. Every time we play in this environment well, if you block well in the beginning you can feel the defence turning and we feel that in our stadium and all the big teams feel that. A good win. It will give us more confidence through the week and pleasure to our fans, they deserve it and that is in our hands. This is in the past, now it's time to look at the future."