Match Preview : Manchester United VS Liverpool

Embed from Getty Images

The Spanish have ‘El Classicó’. The Germans have ‘Der Klassiker’. Even the French have ‘Le Classique’. In England, there is definitely ‘The Classic’ and that is Manchester United vs Liverpool.

On Sunday, the rivalry is reignited as United host Jürgen Klopp’s title-chasing Liverpool side, who will be looking to continue their 100% run in the Premier League.

How Do Manchester United Look?

Injuries continue to work against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he confirmed Paul Pogba remains sidelined due to injury. The Frenchman missed international duty this week due to a foot/ankle injury which he is still yet to recover from.

David De Gea looked to also be the latest inductee into Manchester United’s injury list as he was substituted early on in Spain’s European Championship qualifier vs Sweden. However, The Spaniard was pictured as part of the squad to face Liverpool. Likewise, Martial was also thought to be a doubt but he looks likely to be involved also. The news will no doubt come as a boost to United fans’ confidence going into this game.

Manchester United need all the boosts they can get in this fixture. Coming into this Premier League weekend, the Red Devil’s sit just 2 points above the drop zone. Lackluster performance has meant that the reds have seen their worst vein of form in a start to a League season for 30 years. That being said, Manchester United vs Liverpool, home, away or on neutral grounds, should never be about form. If these players have anything about them, they will avoid humiliation for the badge and the Old Trafford faithful.

Opposition: Liverpool

Embed from Getty Images

Although it pains us to admit it, Liverpool are a really good side and in all honesty, the way they play football and control games, are probably pound for pound the best team in Europe at the moment. They are the European Champions after all…

From board down to the coaching staff, over 4 years, Liverpool have set the precedent of how an ambitious club should be run. While spending a lot of money, they’ve spent it well, they’ve let players that don’t want to be at the club go for good fees and there seems to be a sense of cohesion and ‘being on the same page’ within the fan base. And that is showing in their results.

In terms of their key men, we all know who they are, their front three and back 4 are amazing. But I’m not going to talk too much about their form etc, as I’ve said in this derby, that all goes out the window.

Key Stats: Manchester United vs Liverpool

Embed from Getty Images

• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 5 home fixtures against Liverpool (W3 D2)
• Jürgen Klopp has managed more away games without victory against Manchester United than any other side as Liverpool manager (D3 L1)
• Manchester United are the only side Mohamed Salah has faced more than once (4) without registering a single goal involvement (Goal or Assist)
• 33% of Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United Premier League goals have been against the traditional ‘big 6’ (10/30)

---

I expect a performance that is worthy of the Manchester United shirt on Sunday afternoon. These players may not be good enough, they may not have what it takes to bring the glory days back to our club. But they should have the respect of themselves the badge and the fans in order to turn up and not fold under pressure. Management and form shouldn’t come into play, if we are poor today, the players are to blame.

Read More: Romero to Start???