Manchester United will travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to take on one of their biggest rivals, Liverpool. It is the chance for Ruben Amorim’s side to finally win back-to-back games under the Portuguese boss for the first time, but it will be tough.
United’s record away to the Reds in the last decade or so has been abysmal. They haven’t won at Anfield since the end of the 2015/16 campaign. That day, Wayne Rooney’s strike was the only thing that separated the two sides.
The season before, Juan Mata’s heroics secured all three points for the Red Devils.
Looking back on ‘Juanfield’
One of the most iconic trips to Anfield in recent history for United was certainly the 2014/15 clash. The Red Devils were victorious thanks to Mata’s two goals, which led supporters to lovingly dub the game as ‘Juanfield’ after the Spanish midfielder.
It was a superb performance from the former United number eight. He gave his side the lead with a right-footed strike in the first half in front of the Kop, poking the ball past Simon Mignolet less than a quarter of an hour into the game.
His second goal will always be the one that stands out. Mata doubled United’s lead with a fantastic scissor kick, checking his run before executing the acrobatic effort to perfection.
His strike nestled into the bottom left corner to put the Red Devils 2-0 up. MUTV commentator Stewart Gardner said it was “one of the great United goals at Anfield.”
Despite Daniel Sturridge’s strike, which pulled a goal back for the home side, it was always going to be hard for Liverpool to get back into the game. Steven Gerrard was infamously sent off at the start of the second half, just 38 seconds after entering the fray.
It was a win that will live long in the memory for United, with Mata’s brilliance off the right-hand side the reason why they secured the victory. Amorim has a player of his own who could replace the heroics of ‘Juanfield’.
Amorim can unleash his own Juan Mata
Despite another poor start to the season, United do have attackers who can hurt the opposition.
Bruno Fernandes is always a threat, although he is playing in a pivot. Matheus Cunha scored at Anfield last season, and Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko are in fine goalscoring form.
However, the key man for United this weekend could be Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian star has shown great promise in his short Red Devils career so far, with two goals and one assist across eight games in all competitions, replicating Mata in operating off that right flank and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.
The 26-year-old has built up a strong reputation with fans and pundits alike. Former United academy player turned MUTV commentator Ben Thornley said last season that he is “unplayable” for a lot of defenders.
This could see him cause problems for Liverpool’s left-back, although it is unclear if that will be Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have also shown defensive frailties this season.
On top of that, Mbeumo knows what it takes to score past the Reds.
He did so as a Brentford player back in 2022/23, running in behind the Liverpool defence, latching a long pass ahead of Konate and slotting the ball past Allison.
It would be excellent for United if Mbeumo can replicate his performance that day.
The Cameroon star was imperious, creating two chances, making five ball recoveries and, of course, getting a late third goal in a 3-1 win.
Touches
24
Ball recoveries
5
Duels won
2
Chances created
2
Shots on target
2
Goals
1
Expected goals
0.97xG
A win at Anfield on Saturday would be huge for Amorim. Not only would it be back-to-back three points in the top flight, but a win at one of their biggest rivals for 10 years, which would be a huge achievement for the Portuguese boss.
How he would love Mbeumo to recreate the heroics of ‘Juanfield’ this weekend, and earn United a huge three points.