Liverpool fans will no doubt still be reveling in Manchester United’s misery, with the gap between the two sides rarely ever as big as it currently is.
The Old Trafford club is going through one of the worst seasons in its history, with its hopes of salvaging Champions League football for next season now over after defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Compare that to Liverpool, who will once again be dining at Europe’s top table after being crowned Premier League champion, and there couldn’t be much more of a difference.
And the Reds may well feel vindicated in their choice of head coach last year, with Ruben Amorim now facing huge pressure over his position.
Liverpool fans will no doubt remember Amorim being among the favorites for the job at Anfield earlier last year following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to stand down.
In fact, the 39-year-old was seen by many as the frontrunner at one point after Xabi Alonso had ruled himself out. Liverpool though chose to go in a different direction, appointing Arne Slot in a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke.
Meanwhile, things couldn’t have gone much worse for Amorim since he was appointed by United back in November, following the firing of Erik ten Hag.
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In his 26 league games in charge, the former Sporting CP boss has only managed a paltry 24 points, with United already guaranteed its worst-ever finish to a Premier League campaign.
And just to add salt to the wounds, defeat to Spurs means they haven’t been able to salvage any sort of European football for next season, with the pressure growing on Amorim.
According to Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy, there were two major reasons why Amorim was ultimately not considered for the Liverpool job. It’s claimed his playing philosophy wasn’t the right fit for the Reds – in particular his use of a back three – nor was his long-term vision. Liverpool wants the same playing style throughout all age groups.
Although it’s thought that Amorim retains the backing of United chiefs for the time being, the man himself seemed to acknowledge that his position will come under threat following a disastrous season.
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“If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation,” Amorim said after the Europa League final. “But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job. As you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things.
“In this moment, I am not here to defend myself. It’s not my style. I have nothing to show to the fans. In this moment [I need] a little bit of faith.”
Liverpool.com says: Let’s just be honest, watching United’s demise as Liverpool fans has been hilarious this season, and made all the funnier by their struggles under a head coach that the Reds decided against.
United were bad before Amorim arrived, and if anything, only seem to have gone backwards under his leadership. You feel like it won’t be long before they’re searching for a new manager at Old Trafford.
An original version of this article was first published on October 28.
