Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
Manchester United fans recognise the prematch shiver of optimism. Maybe it is blind hope, but they know that their team has been able to raise their level in some of the very biggest Premier League matches under Ruben Amorim. They know there have been signs of improvement this season. And was this not a good time to play Liverpool?
It is often the case that it is the prompt for a sharp reality check. After all, nobody ever really knows which United will turn up. Here, it was the version that Amorim has craved, the one he has claimed has been ready to show itself on a regular basis.
United had not won at Anfield for nine years. They had never previously recorded back-to-back league victories under Amorim. They chased the demons from their backs with a performance and result to offer the promise of better times.
They rode their luck.
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.