Ruben Amorim surprises Manchester United fans as he benches Benjamin Sesko before Liverpool clash at Anfield

Just before Manchester United’s much-anticipated clash with Liverpool, manager Ruben Amorim made a bold move that caught everyone off guard.

Instead of sticking with the in-form Benjamin Sesko, the Portuguese boss chose to bench him — and the reasoning behind it says a lot about his tactical mindset heading into one of the season’s biggest fixtures.

Why Amorim Benched His Star Striker

Sesko had been on a roll, scoring in consecutive games against Brentford and Sunderland, finally looking settled after his £73.3 million transfer.

That’s why fans were stunned to see him left out of the starting lineup.

But Amorim had a plan. Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained that the decision wasn’t about form — it was about strategy.

“Cunha returning to the team — I think he’s one player who has one characteristic that can help us push the team forward,” Amorim said confidently.

“I think Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk like confrontation in the air. So we’ll try to give them something different to deal with.”

A Tactical Switch with Purpose

Instead of matching Liverpool’s powerful defenders physically, Amorim opted for pace and agility.

Matheus Cunha, still searching for his first goal in United colors, offered a quicker, more unpredictable approach.

While Sesko’s 6’5″ frame might have provided aerial dominance, Cunha’s nimbleness seemed designed to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.

That plan paid off almost immediately. Within just a minute of kick-off, Bryan Mbeumo darted between Van Dijk and Konate, latching onto a clever through ball before slotting it past Giorgi Mamardashvili — stunning Anfield into silence.

Controversy and Frustration for Liverpool

Liverpool’s players erupted in protest, arguing that play should have been stopped because Alexis Mac Allister was down on the pitch holding his head.

But referee Michael Oliver waved play on, later claiming he hadn’t seen the incident.

The Reds’ frustration was clear, as Amorim’s tactical gamble had already tilted the game in United’s favor before the crowd could even settle.

Amorim’s Risk Paying Off

While some fans questioned Amorim’s decision to bench one of his most promising attackers, his willingness to take risks seems to be shaping a new kind of United — one that adapts, reacts, and isn’t afraid to surprise.

And if early moments like Mbeumo’s strike are any indication, Amorim’s boldness might just be the difference-maker in United’s new era.