FULL TIME
0-3
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Man United possible starting lineup: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Match Preview
Old Trafford will host one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Premier League this weekend as Manchester United and Liverpool renew their historic rivalry. This clash not only pits two of English football's most successful clubs against each other but also sees a tactical showdown between former Eredivisie rivals, Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.
Manchester United enter this fixture on the back of a mixed start to the season. A narrow and somewhat fortunate win over Fulham, where Joshua Zirkzee announced himself with a debut goal, was followed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. That loss was marked by missed opportunities and a controversial disallowed goal, which saw Zirkzee inadvertently intervene in Alejandro Garnacho’s potential equalizer. Adding to the early season frustrations, United also suffered a painful defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield via a penalty shootout.
Erik ten Hag, who has faced scrutiny since narrowly avoiding the sack last season, is desperate to reignite Manchester United's fortunes. The team’s recent form, especially in September—a month historically unkind to the Red Devils post-Ferguson—has left much to be desired. However, with the possibility of winning three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since August 2023, there is a glimmer of hope that Old Trafford can once again become a fortress.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have enjoyed a perfect start to the Premier League season, securing two wins from two without conceding a single goal. The Reds followed up their opening victory over Ipswich Town with a solid 2-0 win against Brentford, courtesy of goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. However, despite these clean sheets, Liverpool's performances, particularly in the first halves, have lacked the dynamism associated with their attacking prowess. Nevertheless, their xG (expected goals) of 5.3 across these matches highlights their threat going forward.
Historically, new Liverpool managers have struggled to secure a win against Manchester United in their first competitive fixture. Arne Slot will be keen to buck that trend, especially given that his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, managed to go unbeaten against United in his farewell season, despite two hard-fought draws in the Premier League.
This encounter is set to be a tactical battle as much as it is an emotional one, with both teams looking to lay down a marker early in the season. For United, it’s a chance to restore pride and gain momentum, while Liverpool will aim to continue their flawless start under Slot's leadership. With the rich history and intense rivalry between these clubs, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a captivating affair.