Just as talk of the unthinkable relegation began to surface, Manchester United offered competence.
The world expected a Liverpool defeat at Anfield last Sunday, but the new and improved Red Devils performed just as well on Merseyside and were good value for their 2-2 draw.
United have undoubtedly benefited from the gap between games, with Amorim enjoying his first full week off since the November international break starting on Sunday FA Cup tie in the third round of Arsenal.
The Red Devils were knocked out of their previous encounter in north London and will be looking to avenge December’s defeat by heaping misery on Mikel Arteta’s side.
Here’s how United could line up at the Emirates.
GK: Andre Onana – While Onana struggled in goal for United, Altay Bayindir did nothing to suggest he could be trusted on such a big occasion.
CB: Leny Yoro – Amorim ideally wouldn’t change too much against the game against him Liverpoolbut Yoro is a strong candidate to replace Matthijs de Ligt – the protagonist in both of the Reds’ goals last weekend.
CB: Harry Maguire – Maguire’s last gasp at Anfield overshadowed another good performance by the Englishman. He will be key in evasion Arsenal’s set-pieces.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – After the horror he showed against Newcastle, Martinez redeemed himself a bit last weekend. His performance on Merseyside showed how significant a role he could play in Amorim’s project.
RWB: Amad Diallo – Noussair Mazraoui could take a breather, with Amado, who only played the second half at the Emirates in December, moving into the wing role where he starred at the start of the new manager’s tenure.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The scrappy Uruguayan is needed in Amorim’s center and comes into this game off the back of his best performance in the United shirt.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo linked to Chelsea hasn’t set the world on fire this term, but there have been signs in the young midfielder’s recent outings to match the performance levels of his breakthrough campaign.
LWB: Diogo Dalot – Trent Alexander-Arnold made himself look like a world beater last weekend, but Dalot has a far sterner test against Jurrien Timber on Sunday.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – United always have a chance when Fernandes plays like he did against Liverpool. The Red Devils require their captain to perform consistently on the big occasion.
AM: Alejandro Garnacho – If Amorim decides to make a change at the top, he needs an alternative outlet in the first line. Garnacho provides the necessary enthusiasm and speed to trouble Arsenal’s defence.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Rasmus Hojlund continues to fall under the Amors, potentially paving the way for Zirkzee’s return just weeks after fans cheered him on 30 minutes into the tournament. Defeated Newcastle 2-0.
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