Manchester United host Liverpool on Monday evening with both teams going in search of their first win of the season.
The Red Devils struggles are well documented … no wins from matches against Brighton and Brentford and the ongoing drama around the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The arrival of Casemiro has lifted the mood inside Erik ten Hag’s camp but that is before Liverpool arrive.
The Reds themselves have struggled to two draws with new signing Darwin Nunez sent off against Palace. Both teams have their issues.
Coming into this fixture Liverpool has the upper hand over Manchester United after they did the double over them in the Premier League last season, scoring nine goals without conceding after their 5-0 victory at Old Trafford before cruising to a comfortable 4-0 win at Anfield in the return leg.
“I think it’s basic. You have to bring it in every game on the pitch and of course, especially Monday night. But you bring it every game,” Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag said.
“I know we are the rivals. We have to win every game but especially this game, yeah, I know.
“We work from game to game and now it’s Liverpool. Obviously, we know what’s going on when you play against Liverpool and especially when you’re Manchester United. So, of course, you have to be ready but also again you have to cut a point, you have to fight yourself into the season. But it is from game to game.”
Victor Lindelof, Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams will be missing tonight but Anthony Martial could make his first start.
Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, Ibrahima Konaté, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip all miss out.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has a good record of scoring against Liverpool, having found the back of the net on two occasions in his last four appearances against the Reds.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is one goal away from becoming the first Liverpool player to bag 10 goals against United, with six of his goals coming at Old Trafford and three at Anfield.
Manchester United Form This Season:
LL
Liverpool Form This Season:
DD