MANCHESTER, UK: On Sunday, the tables will be turned in the rematch between Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool was aiming for a quadruple crown last season. Manchester United, under new manager Erik ten Hag, has a real shot at a quadruple crown this year.
United’s best chance at winning the Premier League is to avoid what is likely to be their toughest remaining test.
Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles, United’s visit to Anfield represents the season’s final major test, as they have already played leading pair Arsenal and Manchester City both at home and away.
It’s possible that Ten Hag’s goals will be threatened by a Liverpool team that has already won at home this season, beating City and Italian league leader Napoli. The Merseyside club would love the chance to slow down United and help their own push for a Champions League berth.
Although United have improved greatly under their Dutch manager, they have yet to win an away match against a major rival. The trip to Anfield could therefore provide even more insight into the 20-time league champions’ development.
A team that has been unable to keep pace with City and Liverpool in recent years showed signs of growing confidence and courage in last month’s 2-2 draw at Barcelona in the Europa League playoffs. Although United won the second leg 2-1 and advanced to the round of 16, they have yet to record a significant victory at the home of a top club this season.
In October, Ten Hag was humiliated in his first Manchester derby when United fell to City by a score of 6-3. United lost 3-2 to Arsenal in January, with Eddie Nketiah scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time. This was a golden opportunity for United to put serious pressure on the leaders. Casemiro’s late goal helped his team earn a 1-1 draw at Chelsea earlier in the season.
However, United’s overall improvement is indisputable, and the team’s 3-1 FA Cup comeback victory over West Ham on Wednesday was just the latest example of their resiliency.
We proved that we have the strength of character to overcome adversity. “The team has enough juice to keep going,” Ten Hag said. And they did it again, so they believe they can win games, and that makes me happy. This group does not look scared, and they have the ability to alter the course of the game.
Liverpool, who have won both of the previous two meetings between these teams by scores of 5-0, will put those skills to the test.
United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool in August marked their first league victory over Liverpool since 2018.
In contrast to United’s relatively easy schedule down the stretch, Arsenal and City still have to play each other and both face Liverpool.
The 4-0 thrashing of Everton by Arsenal on Wednesday increased the Gunners’ lead over third-place United to 11 points. United still has a game in hand.
United’s other memorable away games include those at Newcastle and Tottenham, but neither of those matches comes close to matching the anxiety of a visit to Anfield.
Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season, manager Jurgen Klopp has bigger goals in mind than just upsetting the title contenders. Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton on Wednesday cut the gap to fourth-place Spurs to just six points.
Recent victories against Everton and Newcastle have boosted confidence in the defending champions of 2020. The most recent one, against Wolverhampton, gave Klopp reason to believe that he can still save the season and make it to the Champions League.
Ahead of their match against United, the German coach deemed this the “best possible way” to get ready.
The home crowd could be a factor, but I think Man United is the team in form at the moment, maybe together with Arsenal — and City are doing well,” Klopp said. This evening, I believe Anfield once again proved his point. Very, very enjoyable. It functioned as a cohesive unit, with no loose ends. I enjoyed that we were all together. On Sunday, we’ll be in dire need of that once more.
