Old Trafford is set to host one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League calendar as Manchester United take on Liverpool in what promises to be a thrilling encounter on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 4 PM UK time.
This matchup between two of England’s most storied football clubs is more than just another game; it’s a clash of titans, a contest steeped in history, rivalry, and passion. As Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to lock horns, the significance of this fixture goes beyond three points. It’s about pride, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of supremacy in English football.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is arguably the most intense in English football, and every meeting between these two sides is eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. This time, the stakes are even higher as both teams have made strong starts to the 2024-2025 season, and a victory here could set the tone for their title ambitions.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest is the reunion of former Eredivisie managerial rivals Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot. The two Dutch tacticians are no strangers to one another, having previously faced off in the Netherlands, and their tactical battle will be a fascinating subplot in this encounter. Their first meeting in the Premier League pre-season saw Slot’s Liverpool side emerge as 3-0 victors, a result that Ten Hag will be desperate to avenge on home soil.
Manchester United: A Season of Mixed Fortunes
Manchester United’s season so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After an unconvincing win over Fulham, where new signing Joshua Zirkzee briefly endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful, the Red Devils were brought back down to earth with a 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. The loss highlighted the inconsistencies that have plagued United in recent years, despite the promise shown in parts of their play.
In their previous match at the Amex Stadium, an early goal from former United man Danny Welbeck and a second from Joao Pedro sandwiched an equalizer from Amad Diallo. The Red Devils thought they had salvaged a point when Alejandro Garnacho found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside, with Zirkzee’s slight touch proving costly.
This defeat was United’s second in three competitive matches this season, the first being a heart-wrenching penalty shootout loss to arch-rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield. As a result, questions have been raised about whether Erik ten Hag can deliver the consistency needed to mount a serious title challenge.
United’s September record in the Premier League doesn’t offer much encouragement either. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the Red Devils have lost 13 of their 35 top-flight matches in this month, a statistic only bettered by their May blues. Despite these struggles, there is a silver lining – a win against Liverpool would mark three consecutive Premier League victories at Old Trafford for the first time since August 2023.
Team News: Injury Concerns for United
Manchester United’s preparations for this fixture have been hampered by a spate of injuries. The most recent casualty is Mason Mount, who was forced off at halftime against Brighton with a thigh problem. Mount has since confirmed that he will miss several games, joining an already crowded treatment room that includes Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), and Victor Lindelof (toe).
Mount’s absence could pave the way for Joshua Zirkzee to make his full debut, with Bruno Fernandes likely to occupy the number 10 role behind the Dutch striker. The absence of so many key players is a significant blow for Ten Hag, who will have to rely on his squad depth to navigate this challenging period.
The good news for United fans is that new signing Manuel Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, could be available for selection after missing out on the registration deadline for last weekend’s match. Ugarte’s tenacity and defensive capabilities could be crucial in nullifying Liverpool’s attacking threats.
Liverpool: A Perfect Start Under Arne Slot
In stark contrast to their opponents, Liverpool have made a flawless start to the Premier League season under new manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman has overseen two wins from two, with the Reds yet to concede a goal. Their opening day victory over Ipswich Town was followed by a 2-0 triumph against Brentford, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah finding the back of the net.
While Liverpool’s performances have not been without their flaws – their first-half display against Brentford left much to be desired – their efficiency in front of goal and solid defensive structure have been key to their early success. The Reds currently boast the highest expected goals (xG) tally in the Premier League at 5.3, a worrying statistic for a Manchester United side that has been vulnerable to conceding shots.
Slot’s tactical acumen has been evident in Liverpool’s disciplined approach, and his ability to get the best out of key players like Salah, Diaz, and Virgil van Dijk has been instrumental. The arrival of Euro 2024-winning attacker Federico Chiesa from Juventus for a cut-price £10m has further strengthened their squad, though Slot has admitted that Chiesa is unlikely to feature heavily at Old Trafford due to a lack of match fitness.
At the time of writing, Curtis Jones is the only Liverpool player doubtful for the trip to Manchester, with the midfielder nursing a groin injury. However, the Reds’ depth in midfield means that they should be well-equipped to cope with his potential absence.
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Head-to-Head: A Fixture Steeped in History
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool needs little introduction. These two clubs have dominated English football for decades, and their encounters are always fiercely contested. Last season, United managed to navigate Jurgen Klopp’s final year in charge of Liverpool without losing to the Merseyside club, securing two draws in the Premier League and a thrilling 4-3 victory in the FA Cup.
However, this season’s pre-season friendly in the United States saw Liverpool run out 3-0 winners, a result that will still be fresh in the minds of both sets of players. While pre-season results often count for little, the manner of Liverpool’s victory – and United’s inability to deal with their pressing game – will give the Reds confidence heading into this match.
Historically, Liverpool’s record at Old Trafford has been less than stellar, with the Reds winning just one of their last five visits to the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League. However, Slot’s Liverpool side has already shown that they are capable of bucking trends, and they will be confident of securing a positive result on Sunday.
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Tactical Analysis:
- Manchester United: Ten Hag’s side is likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting Liverpool’s high defensive line. The key to United’s success will be their ability to win the midfield battle, with Casemiro and Mainoo tasked with disrupting Liverpool’s build-up play. Defensively, United will need to be at their best to contain Liverpool’s dynamic front three, particularly in wide areas where the Reds excel.
- Liverpool: Slot is expected to deploy his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on pressing high up the pitch and forcing United into mistakes. The battle between Salah and United’s left-back, likely to be Diogo Dalot or Lisandro Martinez, could be a decisive factor in the outcome of the match. Liverpool’s midfield trio of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai will look to dominate possession and create chances for the front three.
Betting Tips:
- Match Outcome Prediction: Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool. Liverpool’s strong start to the season, coupled with Manchester United’s injury problems, gives the visitors the edge. The Reds’ disciplined defence and clinical attack should be enough to secure a narrow victory.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes. Both teams possess significant attacking firepower, and with the intensity of the rivalry, it’s hard to see either side keeping a clean sheet.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals. Given the attacking talent on display and the historical trend of high-scoring encounters between these two sides, expect goals in this match.
- Hot Stat: Liverpool has not conceded a goal in their last two Premier League matches, but Manchester United has scored in each of their last 10 home games. This stat suggests that while Liverpool’s defence is solid, United’s attack could still find a way through.
Final Prediction:
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool. Despite Manchester United’s strong home form, the combination of injuries and Liverpool’s current momentum suggests that the visitors will come out on top in this fiercely contested encounter.
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