Neville: United Can Target Top Six Following Liverpool Victory

Gary Neville has emphasized the importance of the upcoming weeks for Ruben Amorim as the manager of Manchester United, following a dramatic victory against Liverpool at Anfield. The win, marked by Harry Maguire‘s 84th-minute goal, propelled United to ninth place in the Premier League standings. This triumph was especially significant as it marked the club’s second consecutive league victory under Amorim, a first since he took the helm at Old Trafford.

Neville, speaking on his podcast, pointed out that the next match against Brighton is vital for United’s aspirations. “This is a complete turnaround game,” he stated, reflecting on the emotional weight of winning at Anfield. He acknowledged that a loss would have placed immense pressure on Amorim ahead of facing teams like Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

The victory against Liverpool stands as a noteworthy achievement, as Neville noted, “To win at Anfield is special in any season.” He encouraged the team to capitalize on this momentum, stating, “They should be really proud because it’s a big achievement, but they’ve got to kick on from here.”

Critical Upcoming Matches for United

Neville’s analysis extended to United’s performance history, referencing a previous defeat against Brentford in September, which followed a significant win against Chelsea. He cautioned that the team cannot allow a similar setback to occur after their recent success. “What can’t happen is now we’ve got to this height of performance, and then all of a sudden Brighton ends up being a dip,” he warned.

The former United player expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to finish in the top six, particularly given the absence of European commitments this season. “They’ve just gone into the top half of the table, to ninth, and I think if they win next week, they’ve got to start thinking of pushing up the league,” Neville stated. He highlighted the quality of the squad, with players like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes forming a formidable attacking lineup, supported by a strong defensive unit.

Amorim echoed a similar sentiment regarding the Brighton match. In his post-match interview, he acknowledged the significance of the Liverpool win but quickly shifted focus to the upcoming challenge. “Now I’m concerned about Brighton,” he said, underscoring the necessity of maintaining performance levels.

Looking Ahead: Trust and Consistency

Both Neville and Amorim stressed the importance of trust within the team. While Amorim enjoys a good rapport with his players, he emphasized the need for them to trust each other and the system. “There’s no doubt those players admire their coach, they like him as a person, but they’ve got to start trusting each other,” Neville pointed out.

As the players bask in the glory of their Anfield victory, Neville urged them to remain focused: “Enjoy tonight because it’s one of the greatest moments you can have as a United player, winning at Anfield, and it happens rarely. But honestly, lads, you’ve got to get back at it tomorrow morning.”

The focus now shifts to Brighton, with the match scheduled for Saturday Night Football on Sky Sports. United will be seeking to build on their recent successes and establish stability within the club, which can only be achieved through consistent winning performances. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Ruben Amorim and his squad as they strive to solidify their position in the Premier League standings.