Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Salah to score or assist
The Premier League’s fiercest rivalry takes centre stage at Anfield as league leaders Liverpool host a struggling Manchester United side.
With Arne Slot’s Reds enjoying a dominant season and Ruben Amorim’s United languishing in the bottom half, this clash carries high stakes for both clubs.
Liverpool: Dominating Under Arne Slot
2024 marked a transition year for Liverpool, but it has exceeded expectations under new manager Arne Slot. Building on Jürgen Klopp’s solid foundations, Slot has revitalised the Reds, propelling them to the top of the Premier League with a commanding lead.
Liverpool ended 2024 with 92 league goals, their second-highest tally in a calendar year, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Slot is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone as he aims to become just the second Liverpool manager to complete a league double over Manchester United in his debut season, a feat last achieved by George Kay in 1936/37.
Liverpool’s confidence is further bolstered by their recent dominance over United, having scored five goals across the last two league meetings, including a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Anfield has been a fortress for the Reds in this rivalry, with United failing to win any of their last nine visits (D4, L5).
Mohamed Salah has been central to this dominance, contributing an incredible 21 direct goal involvements (15 goals, 6 assists) in his last 12 games against United. Salah’s form, coupled with Liverpool’s balanced squad, makes them favourites heading into this encounter.
Manchester United: Struggling to Find Form
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has reached a critical juncture. With three consecutive Premier League defeats ‘to nil’, United find themselves in the bottom half of the table, far from their lofty aspirations.
A fourth successive loss without scoring would mark the club’s worst league run since 1909, heaping pressure on Amorim to deliver a result at Anfield.
United’s defensive frailties have been glaring, conceding 18 goals in December—their worst defensive month since March 1964. Their attack has been equally toothless, with the side failing to score in their last three league outings. Despite the gloom, the return of Amad Diallo provides a glimmer of hope. Diallo scored a late winner in an FA Cup clash against Liverpool last season, and United will look to him for inspiration.
Key Players to Watch
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah has been a thorn in United’s side, contributing 21 goal involvements in his last 12 games against them. With 15 goals already this season, Salah remains Liverpool’s most potent weapon and will be eager to exploit United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
Diallo has shown flashes of brilliance, and his goal against Liverpool in last season’s FA Cup demonstrated his ability to deliver in big moments. With United’s attack misfiring, Diallo could be their best hope of breaching Liverpool’s defence.
Tactical Insights and Key Battles
Liverpool’s High Press vs United’s Defence
Liverpool’s relentless pressing under Slot has been key to their success, forcing errors and creating opportunities. United’s shaky defence, which has been error-prone in recent weeks, will need to be resolute to withstand Liverpool’s onslaught.
Midfield Control
Liverpool’s midfield, led by the industrious Dominik Szoboszlai and the versatile Alexis Mac Allister, has been pivotal in dictating play. United’s midfield, featuring Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, must step up to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and provide service to their forwards.
Wide Play
Liverpool’s attacking full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, will look to stretch United’s defence, creating space for Salah and Darwin Núñez. United’s wingers, including Diallo, will need to track back to provide defensive cover while also posing a counter-attacking threat.
Predicted Outcome
Liverpool’s dominant form and Manchester United’s struggles suggest a one-sided affair, especially given United’s dismal record at Anfield. Salah’s brilliance and Liverpool’s cohesion make them overwhelming favourites, while United will need a near-perfect performance to avoid further embarrassment.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United
Final Thoughts
This fixture remains one of the most anticipated in world football, but the current gulf in form between Liverpool and Manchester United makes the hosts favourites. For Liverpool, this match is an opportunity to further cement their title credentials, while United must rally to avoid slipping deeper into crisis.
With Salah chasing more records and Diallo looking to reignite United’s attack, fans can expect a fiery and entertaining encounter.
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Liverpool v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League