Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is focused on securing a third consecutive Premier League victory as his team prepares to host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford this Saturday, dismissing recent tactical criticism from Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Following United’s 2-1 victory at Anfield, Slot expressed frustration with his opponent’s deep defensive block and long-ball strategy. The win, United’s first at Anfield since 2016, came courtesy of goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, with Cody Gakpo scoring for Liverpool. It also marked the first time the Red Devils have achieved back-to-back wins since Amorim took charge in November 2024.
When asked about Slot’s comments, Amorim was unequivocal. “Liverpool is in the past. I don’t want to comment on anything. It’s not important,” he stated. “What is important right now is understanding [Brighton manager] Fabian Hürzeler’s project and what we need to do. I have to understand everything, and I’m happy that the team can play in a different style.”
Amorim emphasized that while the victory at Anfield was a significant morale and confidence booster, he is unconcerned with external opinions about his team’s performance.
“I don’t care what Slot says. I don’t care what people say about our team,” he said. “If Gakpo’s shot was 20 cm in a different direction, of course, everything would be different. The narrative would be very different. So I am calm and focused on what we are going to do.”
The manager also downplayed the idea that the derby win represented a major turning point, viewing consecutive victories as a normal expectation. “Sometimes, if we talk too much about turning points, it’s a bad thing. Let’s go as it is,” he added. “We won two in a row, but that’s obviously not surprising. That was going to come sooner or later. We will focus on the next game.”
Amorim acknowledged the constant pressure of managing a top club, noting that scrutiny is unavoidable without consistent results. “This is what happens when you are a manager at a club like this. If you don’t win many games, people will have doubts about you. We have to be on the right track, and that will not change.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Amorim offered high praise for Hürzeler’s Brighton, anticipating a difficult match.
“You can see how they play. Their game is full of intensity. They really believe in their way of playing despite pressure and criticism,” he said. “It will be a tough game. They are very good in transition and in various aspects. Brighton is a good team to watch.”
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