The year is 2022 and Manchester United have lost their first two games under Erik ten Hag barely laying a glove on the opposition, Liverpool are next.
Nobody gave Manchester United a chance but Ten Hag pulled a rabbit out of the hat, and his first win in English football arrived in grand style.
That season, the squad never looked back, going deep in every competition and ending their trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.
A win against Liverpool has the potential to kickstart the season this year again as confidence has taken a hit after the loss against Brighton. So, here’s the Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction and match breakdown-
Match breakdown
First things first, despite Liverpool continuing to win under Arne Slot, there are very visible stylistic changes in how their team is set up.
Slot has introduced a more possession-oriented style of play while also retaining the tactical flexibility to go long vs an opposition’s press.
It was visible vs Ipswich where Kieran McKenna’s men unsettled them in the first half before Liverpool switched it up.
Therefore, Ten Hag would be wise to abandon the false 9 setup and go with a traditional 4-2-3-1, giving Joshua Zirkzee his first start.
That decision might be taken out of his hands anyway after Mason Mount’s injury so this game might be one where United just go back to the basics.
Let Liverpool have the ball, start pressing when they enter the United half, and keep the wingers high and wide to set them free on transitions.
There should be no space between the lines for progressive passes by Liverpool and most importantly, outwork Liverpool in and out of possession.
Zirkzee will be extremely important in holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play, while Diogo Dalot’s baptism of fire in his less-preferred left-back spot will continue with Mohamed Salah up against him this time. Marcus Rashford will need to provide all the help by tracking back.
Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction
Expect United to start fast, aiming to get the crowd on their side with some tone-setting tackles and duels early on.
If they get an early goal, that would be a dream scenario, as it would set the game up for them to be played on transitions while handing Liverpool sterile possession.
If they don’t, United will probably retreat into a secure shape after their fast start and close space between the lines, aiming to break with their wingers.
It will be interesting to see if Amad, recently selected United’s Player of the Month, retains his place or not because Rashford is always effective vs Liverpool while Alejandro Garnacho is quicker and more explosive.
In any case, United can’t afford to be as wasteful as they’ve been in the first two games because they won’t get as many chances. A clinical and hard-working United side should win the game, buoyed by home advantage.
United in Focus predicts Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool.
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