The situation is reversed for MU and Liverpool

Before the 2025-2026 Premier League season kicked off, the most imaginative people probably wouldn't have thought of a scenario where Manchester United would be above Liverpool in the table. But now, it's happened.

MU GRADUALLY ENTERING "ORBIT"

After the matches on the night of October 25 and early morning of October 26 (Vietnam time), MU is in the top 4 with 16 points thanks to the 4-2 victory over Brighton. Meanwhile, Liverpool dropped to 6th place after being defeated by Brentford 3-2, 1 point behind MU. For the first time since February 2024, MU has won 3 consecutive matches in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Liverpool is sliding with 4 consecutive losses, one of the worst streaks in the club's history.

From being on the "brink" and at risk of being fired, coach Ruben Amorim has found a winning formula for the Old Trafford team. The Portuguese strategist remains steadfast in his football philosophy, except that he has more suitable personnel options to help MU come back strong. In goal, Lammens creates safety, much more than what Onana or Bayindir showed. In the center of defense, De Ligt plays the role of leader, while Maguire, Yoro... also performed very well. Casemiro and Bruno improved their performance, helping MU often control the midfield well. Choosing Diallo to play as a full-back also brought efficiency.

Mbeumo (middle) is in great form, contributing greatly to MU's 3-match winning streak

PHOTO: REUTERS

On the attack line, the two new recruits Cunha - Mbeumo brought an explosion. Cunha has just scored his first goal for MU, but his contribution is much greater thanks to his smart movement and enthusiastic fighting spirit. Meanwhile, Mbeumo has scored 5 goals and is the number 1 striker of the "Red Devils". This duo also always presses very fiercely, making it difficult for MU's opponents to launch attacks from home. Most importantly, the fighting spirit and confidence of the entire MU team are in the best condition. This helps coach Amorim and his team gradually return to strength, although there are still some weaknesses.

Jamie Redknapp, former England international, praised MU: "They had 3 impressive victories. I think MU played more calmly, controlled better. MU used to receive a lot of criticism in the transfer process, but now they are doing better. Mbeumo and Cunha are thriving and it's like they've been wearing MU shirts for a long time." It can be said that MU is gradually leaving the gloomy days behind.

L IVERPOOL LOST

Meanwhile, MU's arch-rival Liverpool has been on shaky footing. After 5 consecutive wins at the beginning of the season, the "Red Brigade" has gradually revealed its weaknesses and let its opponents exploit them. Liverpool is too easy to counter. Their opponents only need to play tight, disciplined defense, block the middle and be ready to launch long passes behind Liverpool's defense to have a great chance of winning. After the defeat against Brentford, coach Slot admitted that he has not yet found a solution when his opponent applies this style of play.

The main reason is that Liverpool no longer has the strength to penetrate strongly on the two flanks, their strongest point. Previously, the Anfield team made the whole of Europe worry when owning two extremely good full-back - winger pairs: Robertson - Diaz/Mane (left wing) and Alexander-Arnold - Salah (right wing). However, when Alexander-Arnold, Diaz, Mane left the team, Salah, Robertson's form declined, and the replacements such as Gakpo, Kerkez, Bradley, Frimpong have not achieved the same quality as their predecessors, Liverpool almost "paralyzed the wings".

That's why Liverpool are having to attack the middle more. Coach Slot has recruited expensive new players like Wirtz, Isak, Ekitike to serve this style of play but the effectiveness has not met expectations. When the opponent sets up a 2-layer defense, concentrating many personnel in front of the penalty area, Liverpool's attacking stars are stuck. These players still need more time to integrate and work together better. Another thing, Liverpool is defending quite badly, especially in set pieces and high balls. Coach Slot said: "Maybe we didn't do well in some basic points. Too many failed one-on-one situations, too many times we couldn't control the ball 2. Those are the things we need to improve."

Liverpool are still the reigning Premier League champions and are the favorites to win the tournaments they are participating in. However, if they do not quickly overcome the remaining problems, coach Slot and his team will face the risk of going home empty-handed. As for MU, they can dream of titles if they maintain their progress.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tinh-the-dao-nguoc-voi-mu-va-liverpool-185251026202916523.htm