Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter at Oakwell

Image source, Getty Images

Seven days after making his senior international debut for Paraguay, young defender Diego Leon made only his second competitive appearance in Manchester United colours in the 5-2 EFL Trophy group stage defeat at Barnsley.

The 18-year-old moved to United from South America in July but has largely been starved of matches as he has been part of Ruben Amorim's first team squad without making his debut.

After a 45-minute Premier League 2 outing at Liverpool last month, Leon lasted just over an hour at Oakwell, putting in an encouraging display in front of director of football Jason Wilcox.

Playing at left-back in an orthodox four-man defence, Leon surged forward midway through the first-half, trying his luck with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, which was blocked.

More importantly Leon showed excellent recovery skills and positional play to intervene on the edge of his own box as Barnsley countered quickly. He also recovered lost ground and won the ball back after being beaten by a smart turn from inside the Barnsley half Neil Farrugia.

Leon's match fitness levels look to have improved since the Liverpool game, which bodes well for the coming weeks given United have three midweek games from the beginning of December to the first week of January.

His display was one of the bright spots on a night that had started well for United when Jack Fletcher opened the scoring after seven minutes and also featured a goal for Chido Obi.

However, Fletcher was later sent off as veteran forward David McGoldrick scored a hat-trick in what turned out to be an easy win for the hosts, leaving Travis Binnion's side on the brink of elimination.

Manchester United are interested in signing 22-year-old Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson. (Mirror), external

Meanwhile, United boss Ruben Amorim is interested in signing 37-year-old Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski next summer. (Star), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater says United finishing in the Premier League's top six should be the "minimum requirement" for Ruben Amorim this season.

The Red Devils' impressive win at Liverpool on Sunday moved them to ninth in the table but just three points behind Manchester City in second.

"With the squad and with performances like that, we could be up there in the top six," Drinkwater told the Devils' Advocate podcast.

"Our squad is good enough to finish top six. It is. That should be the minimum requirement for this season.

"And if we're in the top six and we're looking comfortable and showing that we're capable of never mind back-to-back wins in a row but three or four wins in a row, then who knows where we can finish.

"But, we've not yet proven that we're capable of consistent winning form. Two wins in a row is a great start, particularly when one comes at Anfield which is a ridiculously hard place to win at, but now we've got Brighton next. They are a difficult team.

"You want to play them at Old Trafford and you want to play well and get a result. In the Premier League I don't think United have played too badly.

"Suddenly if you play well and draw that game it isn't a disaster. If they win suddenly you're looking up the table.

"They've had two stinkers against Manchester City and Brentford and deserved to get beat.

"For the rest of the time I don't think they've played horrifically."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Is that the noise of turning tides I hear? It is easy to believe so after watching Manchester United defeat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time since 2016.

How about a first Premier League away win since March? Or back-to-back Premier League wins that have not been since before Ruben Amorim took charge?

So the possibility of turning tides is a fair topic to discuss this week.

United rode their luck at Anfield, as every team must to win on the red side of Stanley Park. However, the Red Devils displayed an attacking quality that was non-existent last season, and a defensive resilience that has been just as scarce.

For a second successive win, Amorim proved he could tweak his tactics to undo the opposition. Benjamin Sesko's exclusion in a game where United were certain to go long was a surprise. Some were acceptant of another miserable Sunday on Merseyside.

Yet it was a genius ploy to ensure that Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate won Senne Lammens' impressively long kicks so that the energetic Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes could sweep up second balls.

It created the second-minute opener and left Arne Slot scrambling - moments after he moaned about the fact Sesko was not starting before kick-off, as if that is what he had been preparing his champions for all week.

This is a good look for Amorim. He was a coach who lit up European football at Sporting and this was the type of team performance many expected him to orchestrate instantly.

But I must emphasise the use of 'possibility' in paragraph three. United host Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday, a fixture they have lost in the past three seasons.

Perhaps that is the true test of whether this is, indeed, the noise of turning tides - or merely crashing waves in a familiar sea of misery.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Matheus Cunha "has got the aura of Eric Cantona," says former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock.

"He has got the weight of the shirt and he loves it," said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club

Reflecting on his performance in Manchester United's 2-1 win at Liverpool, Warnock added: "Near the end of the game, he had three players around him and he was not fussed at all.

"I was purring in commentary."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool versus Manchester United was a cracker, filled with incidents, effort and talking points.

‌Are Liverpool in crisis? Is that really Mo Salah out on the wing and are they a group of individuals not a team?

Was the referee harsh on them for the first goal? Has Arne Slot destroyed a squad that was so successful? And so on...

‌The United questions are just as obvious: is this a turning point? Why don't they show that level of desire every week? Were they actually just a bit lucky as Liverpool hit the post three times? And if the famous 3-4-2-1 system can win at Anfield, can it succeed everywhere?

‌Tempting though it is to answer all of these after one pulsating match, or in Liverpool's case four defeats in a row, it's still nothing more than guesswork this early in the season.

‌My guess is that Liverpool will be fine, they are still making plenty of chances and there are some very good players who will improve and definitely learn to work better together.

‌Manchester United are harder to read. Under Ruben Amorim they have had more false dawns than a Scottish winter. If they are still within striking distance of the top four by Christmas then acceptable progress will have been made.

In the meantime, United fans must celebrate a famous, rare victory at Anfield - and then hope it isn't a one off.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen his midfield and Sporting's Morten Hjulmand is on the list as a contender. (Team talk), external

The 26-year-old Danish footballer, has emerged as Manchester United's prime target to strengthen their midfield and the Premier League club are optimistic of securing the Dane for about £50m.

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column.

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

"We have seen [Benjamin] Sesko playing the last three, four, five, six times, and they come to Liverpool and change the line-up. This is not for the first time when we face teams."

The words of Liverpool boss Arne Slot to Sky Sports before Sunday's match against Manchester United.

Amorim's decision to drop Sesko, who had scored in his previous two outings, raised eyebrows but the brilliance of Matheus Cunha rendered it an excellent decision.

On paper, Cunha was down as Sesko's replacement at centre-forward. At Anfield, the Brazil forward was anything but on the day.

Amorim knew that even Sesko - who is more than capable in the air - was going to struggle against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate who rank seventh and 11th respectively for aerial duel win percentage in the Premier League this season.

Cunha also knew he would not be able to compete with the pair and opted to drop deeper, interchanging with Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount to help United move the ball forward.

That had the secondary effect of handing United an extra body to help with midfield battles, and Cunha won five duels in the game.

It was when Liverpool started to ramp up the pressure in the latter stages of the second half that Cunha's performance went from solid to something outstanding, and is surely his most impressive showing so far in his short United career.

Now operating on his favoured left side, Cunha relished in the chaos, running at Liverpool without fear and refusing to let their physicality rid him of the ball.

He combined excellently with substitutes Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, keeping United high up the pitch and away from Senne Lammens' goal as much as possible.

United's number 10 is probably desperate to score his first goal as a red, but there was no sign of any individual aims at Anfield - his performance was selfless and sacrificial for the good of the team.

Lots was made about Cunha's 'walking stats', external when he arrived at Old Trafford, but it felt like he covered every blade of grass on Merseyside.

As an attacker, you do not need to score or assist a goal to make an important contribution - and Cunha's performance against the champions was the epitome of that.

Image source, Getty Images

Jay Motty from The Stretford Paddock says Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool should not be "sugarcoated" but hopes the winning performance can be "a bit of a turning point" for Ruben Amorim's side this season.

It is the first time United have won consecutive games in the league since the end of the 2023-24 season and moved them ninth in the early standings.

"It is somewhat ridiculous that we've had to wait so long for back-to-back Premier League wins," Motty admitted on BBC Radio 5 Live. "So we can't sugar-coat it and pretend everything's fine now, because there are still going to be some questions - but Amorim needed that.

"We've taken wins this season against Sunderland, Burnley and Chelsea - when they went down to 10 men - but you would've expected Manchester United to win those games.

"Those didn't show any turning point, but going to Anfield and taking three points does. It has been almost 10 years since we last won there.

"I liked that the manager did things other managers wouldn't have done, like dropping Benjamin Sesko and changing the way we set up - and it worked.

"We had a game plan, we stuck to it and it was effective. You cannot ignore the fact that these are the league champions and we've gone there and got a win after nine and a half years.

"I've said this a few times, but I'm hoping we can build on this now. Hopefully this can be a bit of a turning point because it should give the players confidence and give Amorim critics something to think about."

On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast, the team discuss Manchester United's victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater praises the performances of Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha, adding that this could be a "turning point" for Ruben Amorim's side.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is relieved his team-mates have started to show their training ground form on a match day.

Head coach Ruben Amorim promised supporters his side would be better this season after last term's dismal 15th-placed finish.

It has been a long time coming, with the shock EFL Cup second round defeat at League Two Grimsby the low point of a disappointing start that saw United lose three out of their opening six Premier League games.

However, they have now followed up a solid victory against Sunderland just before the international break with a first triumph over Liverpool at Anfield since 2016 to move to within touching distance of a European place, which is the stated aim for the season.

"I've been here long enough to understand everyone will have opinions," said Dalot. "Everyone will have something to say about Manchester United. You just have to be ready for that because you're playing for the biggest club in the world.

"Sometimes, especially this season, we've been doing really well in training but then the results are not coming on and that's what everybody sees.

"Ultimately, they will judge what you do on the pitch on the weekend, so we have to win games. That has to be the mindset."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens says the decision to persist with the long ball out of defence at Liverpool on Sunday was pre-planned.

Rather than try to play out from the back to beat Liverpool's press, Lammens took the aerial route, even though 6ft 5in forward Benjamin Sesko started the game on the bench.

The move paid immediate dividends as it was a long ball that eventually led to the aerial collision involving Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister and Bryan Mbeumo that created the attack from which the Cameroonian put United in front.

And it was another long punt downfield that forced the corner from which Harry Maguire won the game.

"The coaches try to give you as much information as they can," said Lammens.

"You have to be realistic as well. They are going to go man-v-man, so coming to Anfield it is quite difficult to build up.

"So, we made the decision that we should get more of a long ball and try to win the second ball, even though we didn't really have a target striker. We did it quite well, so that's how we could still push them away."

Lammens has brought a much-needed sense of calm to United's defence even though he has only made two appearances since his £18.1m deadline day move from Belgian club Royal Antwerp.

Head coach Ruben Amorim kept Lammens on the bench for three games after his arrival, two of which ended in defeats at Manchester City and Brentford.

That move has been praised as it gave the 23-year-old time to adjust to his new surroundings.

"I try to keep my best friends and family close. The rest is outside noise," he added.

"My social media has exploded but they told me that before my transfer.

"Now I'm doing good, it's all praise. But I'm realistic. If it doesn't go so well, it will be a bad commentary."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's Anfield matchwinner Harry Maguire concedes he does not know if he will still be at the club when they play Liverpool next season.

The United defender's late header secured a first win at United's biggest rivals since 2016 and was his 17th goal in 254 appearances for the club.

It was a notable achievement for the 32-year-old, who joined United from Leicester City seven years ago and therefore was tasting victory at Anfield for the first time.

Maguire's contract expires at the end of the season and while it is understood he and his family are settled in the north west, and he is keen to remain at Old Trafford, there has been no agreement over a new deal as yet.

"I've been here seven years now, so it's been tough not getting that win," he said. "It's been on my mind a little bit, to be honest.

"I'm in my last year now, so this could be the last time I played at Anfield for this club, so it's really important that I've come here and ticked that one off."

Head coach Ruben Amorim said the win was his best in almost a full year since arriving from Sporting as Erik ten Hag's replacement.

Maguire knows it will count for little unless United can overcome an in-form Brighton side on home soil on Saturday. The Seagulls have won on their past three visits to Old Trafford.

"We need to build momentum," he said. "The club will probably get a few plaudits this week because of our resilience and fighting spirit.

"But if we don't perform next weekend against Brighton, it will be exactly the same the following week."

Match of the Day pundit Shay Given says that referee Michael Oliver made the right decision to allow Bryan Mbeumo's goal to stand in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Premier League.

Mbeumo gave United the lead inside two minutes but Liverpool's players were frustrated that play continued after Alexis Mac Allister went down holding his head after clattering into Virgil van Dijk's elbow.

Image source, PA Media

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Harry Maguire's late heroics against Liverpool showed why he deserves a spot in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad next summer.

The 32-year-old defender's late header secured Manchester United's first win at Anfield in nearly a decade.

"Harry Maguire's performance showed me why he should be in the World Cup squad," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. "I really mean that, he is so important.

"I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaking about his leadership in that England squad. The players look up to him and it is exactly the same at Manchester United.

"He could have completely downed tools and wanted to leave the football club when he had the captain's armband taken off him. That's not easy for any player. Your self-pride takes a massive hit when that happens.

"But he came in against Liverpool, played really well again and showed that leadership. He is a threat as well when it comes to set-pieces, which are so important in football.

"So that's why I would certainly take him to the World Cup."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

We asked for your views on Manchester United's victory at Liverpool on Sunday.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: Absolutely amazing performance from Manchester United. We had our chances in the first half but Harry Maguire does what he has done for many years. Backs to the wall in the second half but what a result.

Gazza: Cracking - a much-needed win. Defended well and great performances from Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo especially. Time will tell if it's a turning point. We look like we can score this season even if play looked a bit disjointed at times. Let's enjoy this one.

Mick: He was out in the cold for a while, but he persevered and now it pays off for Harry Maguire. Well done, United, and well done, Harry.

Geoffery: Although Liverpool hit the woodwork three times, United could have - or should have - been two or three goals up. Apart from not being able to keep the ball in the last 15 to 20 minutes, they were the better team and deserved to win. Our keeper didn't have one difficult save to make.

Mike: A fighting display. Team looked like they wanted to win and looked balanced. Well done, United. Not there yet but on the road.

Bill: I have been a United supporter for 70 years I have also played golf for 62 years. On Sunday morning, I had my first hole-in-one and I thought the day couldn't get better - but it did. Brilliant from United. You have just made a 78-year-old very happy. Never give up.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's victory at Anfield was their first at the ground since 2016.

Ruben Amorim has endured a largely difficult time at Old Trafford so far but Sunday's 2-1 win means they are up to ninth place, sitting just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

"It is such a huge win for the manager," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.

"I've questioned his decisions, I've questioned his tactics and I've questioned the players' desire over this season and last season.

"That win is massive because winning at Anfield is not easy to do.

"The confidence that result will give to the players and the manager. I'll be the first to say he [Ruben Amorim] got it absolutely spot on.

"I hope we see more of it. They are only two points off Liverpool now.

"I really liked the performance. We know the players can do it now, so we have to see this on a consistent level."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

• Find and follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport

Image source, Sun and Express

Harry Maguire's late header secured Manchester United's first win at Anfield in nearly a decade and inflicted Liverpool's fourth successive defeat.

It was a statement victory for Ruben Amorim's side against their biggest rivals and the manager described it as "the biggest win in my time at Manchester United".

Monday's newspaper back pages convey the magnitude of the result, which also gave United their first consecutive Premier League wins under the Portuguese.

"Amorim has come under a lot of pressure, but now it is back-to-back wins and they have beaten Liverpool," said Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "It's a big win for United and it puts them right up there in the league.

"United's front three had a lot of pace. They wanted to cause Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate problems, and they did. It was probably one of the only games that I thought Van Dijk looked rattled in the first half.

"That is because United's gameplan worked brilliantly. They were defending in their numbers and good on the counter-attack.

"They always turn up against the big teams - we saw this last season - so now they need to turn up against Brighton next week.

"Whether they can remains a big question mark."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Pundits Shay Given and Troy Deeney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

• Liverpool 1-2 Man Utd

Manchester United legends Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham have been approached to front a takeover bid for the club by an unknown consortium from the United Arab Emirates. (Guardian), external

Casemiro is set to be offered a new contract at Old Trafford, but any deal will require the midfielder to take a substantial pay cut. (Football Insider), external

United captain Bruno Fernandes is considering leaving at the end of the season if the team do not improve, with Bayern Munich keen to sign the midfielder. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport