It’s expected to be a fiery battle between Dutch gaffers Erik Ten Hag and Arne Slot during the Manchester United vs. Liverpool clash at the Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag will be hoping to hang his opponent while Liverpool, under Slot’s leadership, will try to “slaughter” the home side in front of their fans at the Theatre of Dreams.
Both managers, Slot and Ten Hag have met competitively twice during their coaching spells in the Netherlands, however, the result ended in a stalemate.
Moreover, only Bob Paisley has last defeated Manchester United in his first competitive game as a Liverpool coach. And Slot is on the verge of breaking the 49-year-old jinx. Jürgen Klopp, Slot’s predecessor, lost to United at Anfield 2-1 in his first league game.
One of the fiery games in the EPL is Sunday’s match, and uncertainties are bound to occur. The game had once produced over five goals in the past, and it has ended in draws. This means no results will surprise any football fan after 90 minutes.
Liverpool is one of the clubs with unbeaten and clean sheets in the current season.
Slot displayed what the EPL should anticipate with the two games played this season.
In a brief but captivating 17-second sequence during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brentford, Liverpool showcased the exciting potential of life under new manager Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Slot’s tactics emphasised short, sharp passes in a compact formation, allowing dynamic movements that complemented a dominant display. This glimpse into Liverpool’s evolving style under Slot hints at a thrilling future.
On the other hand, Ten Hag will be hoping to change the narrative in September.
Manchester United’s poor start to the season continued last weekend with a 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Red Devils, who had previously scraped a win over Fulham, were outplayed by the Seagulls. Goals from Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro secured the victory for the Seagulls.
The loss marks United’s second defeat in just three competitive matches this season, firstly from a breathtaking penalty-shootout loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield. Despite the arrival of new players, including Joshua Zirkzee, who scored on his debut against Fulham, United have shown no signs of a major revival under manager Erik ten Hag yet.
Meanwhile, United have struggled in September, where they have been beaten in 13 of their 35 top-flight matches since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013. And playing against Liverpool on the first day of September can mean doom for the Devils.
However, United have the opportunity to turn their season around with a home match against Newcastle United, where they can potentially win three straight Premier League matches at home for the first time since August 2023.
In the EPL, Manchester United have witnessed one of their traumatizing results playing against Liverpool in recent times. Liverpool stunned Manchester United 7-0 in a game that saw Manchester United fans humiliated for weeks.
The head-to-head of both clubs saw that they have played 70 games since 1995. Manchester United has won 32 times, while Liverpool has 23 victories. Both teams have meanwhile drawn 15 times. A total of 189 goals have been recorded between both teams. Liverpool has scored more, 97 compared to Manchester United, who has 92.
Last five competitive games
Premier League
2024/04/07
Manchester United 2 – 2 Liverpool
FA Cup
2024/03/17
Manchester United 4 – 3 Liverpool
Premier League
2023/12/17
Liverpool 0 – 0 Manchester United
Premier League
2023/03/05
Liverpool 7 – 0 Manchester United
Premier League
2022/08/22
Manchester United 2 – 1 Liverpool
Manchester United’s possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
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