This weekend’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford promises to be a thrilling encounter as Manchester United and Liverpool renew their rivalry on Sunday afternoon. The match will also feature a reunion between former Eredivisie rivals Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot, who previously faced off in the Netherlands. Liverpool defeated Ten Hag’s side 3-0 in a pre-season friendly.
Despite their recent struggles, United have a chance to secure three consecutive home league wins for the first time since August 2023. In contrast, Slot has had success in the Eredivisie, but history doesn’t favour Liverpool’s new manager, as no Liverpool manager has won their first competitive match against Manchester United.
Team Form and H2H
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Manchester United’s recent performances have been mixed. After a lackluster win over Fulham, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, where a goal from Alejandro Garnacho was ruled out due to an offside infringement by Joshua Zirkzee.
United, who are now reeling from two losses in three competitive matches, including a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield, have struggled to find their form under Ten Hag. September has been particularly difficult for United, with 13 Premier League defeats since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, only one less than their worst monthly record since the 2013-14 season.
Liverpool, under Slot, have won both of their league matches so far this season, scoring four goals without conceding. They followed up their 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town with another 2-0 win against Brentford, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah among the scorers. Despite a lacklustre first-half performance in those games, Liverpool leads the Premier League in expected goals.
Manchester United previously avoided defeat against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, with two league draws and a dramatic 4-3 FA Cup win. However, in their recent pre-season tour of the U.S., Liverpool handed United a 3-0 defeat.
Team News
United’s injury woes worsened last weekend when Mason Mount suffered a thigh injury, joining a list of absentees that includes Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof. Mount’s injury will likely lead to Joshua Zirkzee making his full debut, with Bruno Fernandes moving to the number 10 role.
Manchester United also secured a deal for former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but he was not registered in time for this match.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have made a high-profile signing in Euro 2024 winner Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £10 million. However, due to recent fitness issues, Chiesa is unlikely to feature unless injuries force a late change. At present, the only injury concern for Liverpool is Curtis Jones, who did not train on Friday. Captain Virgil van Dijk will make his 200th top-flight appearance for the club.
Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
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