The stage is set for English football’s biggest rivalry as Manchester United and Liverpool clash at Anfield this Sunday.
Liverpool are sitting atop of the Premier League, while Manchester United are closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots.
There is some contrast in how both teams are performing this season after a change in management. Arne Slot couldn’t have asked for a better start at Liverpool while Ruben Amorim is experiencing United in crisis mode.
United can turn their season around by winning football matches, but Liverpool will go into the game this weekend as clear favourites.
Here are five things to watch out for before United’s league meeting with Liverpool at 4:30pm on Sunday.
Return of Manchester United duo
United have stuttered since the start of the season, but the team is definitely stronger with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. Both players were absent through suspension for United’s 2-0 defeat against Newcastle.
Fernandes and Ugarte’s return injects much-needed creativity and steel into a midfield that continues to come second-best in most battles.
It doesn’t help that United still have injuries with Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof ruled out.
United’s unwanted record at Anfield
Manchester United have failed to score in each of their last five trips to Anfield in the Premier League.
In turn, Liverpool are looking for their sixth consecutive clean sheet at home to United.
The last United player to score at Anfield was Jesse Lingard back in 2018.
It doesn’t bode well that United have failed to score in any of their last three matches – against Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle — while conceding seven goals.
Hopefully, the return of Fernandes has a positive impact on the team in front of goal. The Portugal international created more chances for his teammates than any other player in the league in 2024.
Liverpool look to continue unbeaten run
Slot’s side are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches, winning their last four games on the bounce.
They will be looking to maintain – or increase – their six-point lead at the top of the league table, which could inflict a further blow on United, who are 14th in the standings.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 45 | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 38 | 17 | 21 | 39 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 19 | 7 | 37 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 19 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 38 | 23 | 15 | 35 |
| 5 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 19 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 21 | 11 | 32 |
| 6 |  Man CityManchester City | 19 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 32 | 26 | 6 | 31 |
| 7 |  B’mouthBournemouth | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 23 | 6 | 30 |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham | 19 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 29 |
| 9 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 31 | -3 | 29 |
| 10 |  BrightonBrighton | 19 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 29 | 28 | 1 | 27 |
| 11 |  TottenhamTottenham | 19 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 41 | 28 | 13 | 24 |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford | 19 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 33 | 35 | -2 | 24 |
| 13 |  West HamWest Ham | 19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 23 |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 22 |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 19 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 17 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 16 |
The odds are stacked against United this weekend and we’re looking to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Liverpool’s defensive concerns
The form guide may favour Liverpool, but they go into this clash with injury headaches in defence following Joe Gomez’s recent setback against West Ham.
Gomez has joined Liverpool’s absentee list which includes Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, with both players sidelined since November.
Unfortunately, Liverpool have no problems in attack with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz in fine form.
Mo Salah’s record vs Manchester United
Mohamed Salah has haunted United fans for quite some time.
There can be little debate that Mo Salah has had a greater impact on this fixture than any other Liverpool player over the past 10 years.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Assists |
| 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 6 |
Mo Salah, who never featured against United during his time at Chelsea, has made 16 appearances in the North West derby as a Liverpool player.
The Egypt international has made 21 goal contributions in those matches, including 15 goals of his own.
United’s defence will need to be on alert to stop Mo Salah this time around.
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