There is an overriding feeling that, despite the loss, this was a difficult away assignment that we arguably should have won. Certainly, in the first half, the fact we were behind was against the run of play and things surely would have been so different had our second goal not been ruled out.
The fact there are some positives is undisputed. Amad is off the mark for the season, continuing his excellent form, and he will be relishing the chance to take on Liverpool. Nobody needs reminding of his goal against the Merseysiders in last season’s Emirates FA Cup quarter-final and the visit of our fiercest rivals is guaranteed to be one of the biggest occasions of any campaign.
Old Trafford will be raucous and there can truly be no better way to bounce back from the Amex Stadium setback with a victory against Arne Slot’s men that would send morale soaring again. It has happened before and the preparation at Carrington will ensure we are in a position to approach the international break with a spring back in the step.
“Obviously, we are disappointed,” admitted Erik. “When you lose, it is a big difference, of course, in the mood.”
Three points next Sunday would change all that, dramatically. Any defeat is hard to take but particularly one suffered with a winner so late in the game. Yet everyone inside the Theatre of Dreams will be hoping any misfortune suffered against Brighton will even itself out when the stakes are highest. Those fine margins need to go our way.
The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.
