This highly anticipated match also brings together former Eredivisie managerial rivals, Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot, for the second time. Liverpool triumphed 3-0 in a pre-season clash between the two.
Just over a week after a shaky win over Fulham, where Joshua Zirkzee became an instant hero for United, the new signing turned into the villain last weekend at the Amex Stadium. In a match where Ten Hag faced that all-too-familiar disappointment, Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2-1 victory with goals from former United player Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, despite an Amad Diallo goal briefly leveling the score. An apparent equalizer from Alejandro Garnacho was ruled out due to an offside touch from Zirkzee.
United are now reeling from their second defeat in just three competitive matches this season, including a heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield. So far, Ten Hag's tenure hasn't shown signs of the major turnaround many hoped for.
September has been a particularly tough month for Manchester United, with the team having lost 13 of their 35 Premier League matches since Sir Alex Ferguson retired; only in May have they suffered more defeats in a single month since 2013-14. However, the Red Devils are on the verge of winning three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since August 2023, having also defeated Newcastle United at the end of last season.
In the Eredivisie, both Ten Hag and Slot each secured two wins against each other, but history isn't on Slot's side as he prepares for his first competitive match against the 20-time English champions. None of Liverpool's last nine managers have won their first non-friendly game against Manchester United, with Bob Paisley being the last to do so in 1975.
Yet, Slot is off to a strong start in the Premier League, winning his first two matches of the 2024-25 season. Liverpool scored four goals without conceding any, following up their 2-0 win over Ipswich Town with another 2-0 victory over Brentford, thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
However, Liverpool's first-half performances have left something to be desired, though they still boast the highest expected goals tally in the Premier League so far this season, a worrying stat for a United team known for conceding too many shots.
Manchester United managed to get through Jurgen Klopp’s final season without losing to Liverpool, with two Premier League draws and an exciting 4-3 FA Cup victory. However, Slot’s side handed United a 3-0 defeat during both teams' pre-season tour in the United States.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United’s tough loss to Brighton last weekend was made worse by an injury to Mason Mount, who was forced off at halftime with a thigh issue. He’s now confirmed to be out for a few games, joining a crowded United injury list that includes Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), and Victor Lindelof (toe). Mount's absence likely means Zirkzee will get his full debut, with Bruno Fernandes moving into the number 10 role.United have also secured the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but since he wasn’t registered by the 12pm deadline, he won’t be able to make his debut on Sunday.
As for Liverpool, they’ve pulled off what could be the steal of the summer, signing Euro 2024-winning forward Federico Chiesa from Juventus for just £10 million. However, due to his recent lack of game time and ongoing fitness issues, manager Arne Slot has admitted that Chiesa is unlikely to debut at Old Trafford unless unexpected injuries change the plan.
At the moment, Curtis Jones is the only doubt for Liverpool, dealing with a groin issue that kept him out of Friday’s training. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance for the club.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester 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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Man United 1-2 Liverpool
While the 3-0 pre-season win for Liverpool shouldn’t be taken too literally, even if the scoreline is tighter this time, we still expect the visitors to make life difficult for United and possibly cause more problems at Old Trafford.
