Carl Anka: “Liverpool Have Players Who Can Run, Manchester United Don’t” | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Premier League Showdown Shaped by Philosophy and Physicality

The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield promises to be more than just another chapter in their historic rivalry. The tactical chess game between Liverpool’s Arne Slot and United’s Ruben Amorim will showcase two sides with contrasting fortunes and ideologies, as discussed in a recent Rival Recon podcast by Hari Sethi and Carl Anka on Anfield Index. The discussion sheds light on the evolving challenges facing both clubs and the managers’ approaches to this iconic fixture.

Arne Slot’s Impact at Liverpool

Since Arne Slot’s arrival, Liverpool have transitioned into a more structured and efficient side. Slot’s tactical astuteness and ability to simplify complex football ideas have transformed a previously faltering Reds team into a Premier League juggernaut. Carl Anka highlighted how Slot’s post-match comments after Liverpool’s 3-0 victory at Old Traffordsuccinctly summed up United’s struggles.

“Slot’s command of English and his press conference demeanour have set him apart,” Anka noted. Slot’s breakdown of United’s defensive vulnerabilities — particularly their ineffective rest defence — left many observers impressed by his clarity and insight.

Anka quoted Slot saying, “You have to run, and luckily we have players who can run,” referencing Liverpool’s ability to exploit United’s lack of physical intensity with players like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

United’s Tactical Turmoil Under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United’s season has been a chaotic blend of managerial changes and inconsistent performances. Amorim’s mid-season appointment brought fresh ideas, but as Hari Sethi pointed out, embedding those ideas has proven challenging due to United’s squad limitations.

Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, a hallmark of his success at Sporting Lisbon, has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Anka remarked, “Starting formations are just telephone numbers,” emphasising Amorim’s flexible tactical approach. However, adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands remains a work in progress.

Anka noted that Amorim’s biggest challenge lies in addressing United’s physical deficiencies. “Manchester United’s players lack the running capacity needed in the modern Premier League,” he said. The podcast also highlighted the differences between Casemiro and Ugarte, with the latter’s dynamism being crucial for United’s midfield against Liverpool’s high-intensity style.

Physicality as a Key Theme

Both Sethi and Anka underscored the importance of physicality in the Premier League. Slot’s Liverpool have thrived by blending tactical sophistication with relentless running and pressing, whereas United have faltered due to their inability to match that intensity.

“Liverpool have players who can run,” Anka reiterated, adding that this has been a recurring theme in both Slot’s and Pep Guardiola’s analyses. The conversation also touched on the role of Liverpool’s Mo Salah, who has evolved into a more efficient playmaker, choosing his moments wisely rather than relying solely on pace.

Anka was particularly fascinated by Salah’s chemistry with Darwin Núñez, describing it as “telepathic” despite Núñez’s erratic finishing. “There’s something about how Salah and Núñez move together that is fascinating to watch,” he added.

What to Expect at Anfield

Both Sethi and Anka agreed that Amorim will likely adopt a conservative approach at Anfield, focusing on bolstering United’s midfield with players like Ugarte and possibly Mainoo. Anka noted that Amorim’s reluctance to rely heavily on Casemiro indicates a preference for more mobile midfielders capable of withstanding Liverpool’s relentless press.

“United’s buildup play has been too sterile recently,” Anka said, suggesting that Amorim might deploy Mazraoui in a back three to improve their ball progression. However, United’s reliance on physical battles in wide areas could be their undoing, especially against Liverpool’s robust fullbacks.

The Verdict

Liverpool head into the game with confidence and clarity in their tactical approach under Slot, while United are still grappling with their identity. Anka summarised the stark contrast between the two clubs: “Liverpool have a clear plan, and Slot has brought a new level of pragmatism. United, on the other hand, are still searching for solutions.”

The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter, and while Amorim faces an uphill task, Anka believes that United fans must exercise patience. “This is the era of churn at Manchester United. Amorim needs time to embed his ideas,” he concluded.

The match at Anfield will be a test of endurance, tactics, and philosophies. As the podcast suggests, it’s not just a game — it’s a statement about the direction both clubs are heading.