This is it, this is the big one!
Later, we face the scousers at at home, in a game that already feels like a bit of a must-win, given we’re on 3 out of 6 points so far.
With a revamped Stretford End leading the way, the atmosphere will be electric.
Here’s hoping United can turn in a performance to match, and fulfil some of the potential that we saw in both of the opening games under Tan Hag’s new system.
United did well against Liverpool last season; remaining undefeated with a league 2-2 home draw, 0-0 away draw, and of course that memorable 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win, which will remain in our memories forever.
Our start to the season has been mixed, there’s been the inevitable injury issues; a brilliant transfer window, and two decent performances with a win and a defeat
Erik Ten Hag clearly has a new way that he wants his team to play, and we have seen signs of it working in the first two games. However, Liverpool is a step up in quality and the occasion is very different to playing Fulham or Brighton. Just as important as tactics and systems tomorrow will be mentality, spirit, and desire.
United have stepped up to the plate in big games recently. How we would love to do the same again tomorrow and dispatch Arne Slot’s Liverpool. 6 out of 9 points sounds a whole lot better than 3 out of 9.
Manchester United Team News
New signing Manuel Ugarte will not be available; United having missed the midday deadline to register him in time for tomorrow.
There was a lot of disappointment on social media about this, but considering the player last played in the Copa America, it’s probably a good thing. It’s unlikely Erik Ten hag would have risked him in such a big fixture. There is a fortnight until the next game away at Southampton, which is probably where we’ll see our new midfielder make his debut.
New singing Noussair Mazraoui has looked great at right back and will almost certainly start. Mathis De Ligt could make his first start for United, and given mason Mount’s absence, Joshua Zirkzee is likely to start too.
Mason Mount is the latest to pick up a knock and will be out for a few games. This could be significant, as Mount and Bruno’s intense pressing have been key to United’s new more front-footed style of play this season.
Leny Yoro is set to be out for the next three months after suffering a foot injury during pre-season. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelöf are set to miss out too, as is Rasmus Hojlund, who looks to be recovering from his hamstring injury well.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot;
Casemiro, Mainoo;
Amad, Fernandes, Rashford;
Zirkzee.
Opposition Preview
Liverpool have made a good start to the season, with two wins and two clean sheets, albeit against Ipswich and Brentford.
Mo Salah has looked sharp with a goal in both games, and unfortunately, the diminutive Egyptian has a habit of scoring against us; he has 14, which is more than against other team.
New manager Arne Slot looks to have picked up largely where Jurgen Klopp left, with the Dutchman saying he wants to cultivate a better ‘risk vs reward’ mentality in his team. He was referring to his team, instead of going for higher-risk cutting passes in behind, which opens the game up, to sometimes be more patient and pick the moments to play high-risk football more selectively.
This could mean a game that is slightly less open than, for example, the FA Cup quarter-final from last year, and more tactical and possession-based.
liverpool team news
Liverpool have their full first-team squad to pick from, except for midfielder Curtis Jones, who remains doubtful for tomorrow’s clash.
As mentioned above, it’s unlikely new signing Federico Chiesa will feature in the starting XI, and we can probably expect something similar to the starting X! that dispatched Brentford las week, with Salah, Diaz and Jotah leading the line.
Form Guide
Manchester United (all competitions inc pre-season): LWLLW
Liverpool (all competitions inc pre-season): WWDWW
Prediction
I feel quite optimistic about tomorrow, as I think we have showed good potential so far, without really firing on all cylinders. Hopefully qe see the Casemiro who put in a MOTM performance against Fulham, not the laboured version we saw at Brighton; the midfield will be a key battleground in the game.
New signing Mathis De Ligt will have to be at the top of his game against Liverpool’s dangerous front three, and Joshua Zirkzeewill hopefully be given a great chance to prove he is worth a starting place in the side.
This game could also be make-or-break for Marcus Rashford. He has looked OK so far but not great – what a atch this would be for him to return to the form of a couple of seasons ago.
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool
