Ruben Amorim has achieved a notable milestone with Manchester United, marking his first back-to-back Premier League wins since his appointment nearly a year ago. The recent 2-1 victory against Liverpool made him the first United manager to secure a win at Anfield since 2016.
United’s Mixed Record Under Amorim
Despite this achievement, there is a pressing challenge ahead against Brighton this Saturday. Since taking over in November 2024, Amorim has struggled to maintain consistent performance, particularly outside matches against elite teams. His record against the so-called Big Six—Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur—comprises three wins, three draws, and five defeats across 11 games.
Performance Against Different Teams
Here’s a breakdown of Amorim’s statistics:
- Against the Big Six: Win percentage of 27.7%, earning 1.09 points per game.
- Against Newly Promoted Teams: Impressive win rate of 83.3%, with 2.67 points per game from teams like Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester.
- Against Other Teams: Struggles are evident with a win percentage of just 16.67% and 0.67 points per game from 18 matches.
The match against Liverpool, while significant, might not accurately reflect United’s overall progress. Amorim believes that the pressure of games against teams like Brighton presents a different challenge. In his view, high expectations can hinder player performance.
High Expectations and Pressure
Amorim emphasized that the expectation to win can be burdensome. He noted that when playing formidable opponents, players might find it easier to perform without the weight of expectation. In contrast, matches against teams like Brighton place additional pressure on players to secure a win convincingly.
Insights from Previous Matches
Historically, United has faced difficulties against lower-ranked teams. For instance, Brighton managed a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford despite having less possession. Similarly, Nottingham Forest capitalized on a sole early counterattack in their previous encounter with United, winning 1-0.
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Brighton
As United prepares to face Brighton, Amorim’s approach and tactics will be crucial. He recognized that the weekend match would serve as a benchmark for the team’s progress. Amorim stated, “It has been a good day. Now we must focus on Brighton. We will see after Brighton.”
Victory against Brighton will be essential for United, reinforcing their ambitions and providing clarity on Amorim’s ability to guide the team through challenging fixtures.
