Liverpool will look to end their stuttering run of form when they welcome fierce rivals Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend. With both sides under pressure for different reasons, the clash between two of English football’s greatest clubs comes at a crucial moment in the season.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have endured a frustrating few weeks heading into this highly anticipated encounter. Before the international break, the Reds suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions — an unfamiliar scenario for a side that has set high standards over the last decade. Losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League, both courtesy of late goals conceded in stoppage time, were compounded by a Carabao Cup exit, leaving supporters anxious about the team’s early-season form.
Despite a summer of heavy investment and several new arrivals, Liverpool have struggled to find fluency and consistency in their play. The attacking patterns and high-intensity pressing that characterized their best performances have appeared only in flashes so far this campaign.
However, their last appearance at Anfield offered a glimpse of encouragement. In a heated Merseyside derby against Everton, the Reds produced a battling display to claim a 2–1 win, with Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike both finding the net. The victory was narrow but much-needed — and it reminded fans of the side’s resilience and capacity to respond under pressure.
Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in the summer, faces the dual challenge of implementing his tactical ideas while maintaining the club’s traditional intensity. While Liverpool have dominated possession in most games, they have been punished for defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in front of goal — factors that have cost them valuable points early in the campaign.
Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive on Merseyside in a similarly inconsistent vein. Ruben Amorim’s side have alternated between promising performances and disappointing results, showing glimpses of progress but still lacking stability.
United’s 2–0 win over Sunderland before the international break provided a measure of relief after a run of uneven results. The victory — achieved through goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho — was important not just for the points but for the confidence of a squad that has been scrutinized heavily this season.
Amorim, appointed in May after Erik ten Hag’s departure, has been attempting to instill a more fluid, possession-oriented system at Old Trafford. His preference for building from the back and encouraging rotation in midfield has shown potential, but United’s away form remains a major concern. In their last six Premier League away fixtures, they have managed just one victory — a statistic that underlines the scale of the task they face at Anfield, one of the most intimidating grounds in English football.
Liverpool versus Manchester United remains the most-watched and emotionally charged fixture in English football. The rivalry transcends the pitch, rooted deeply in the social and industrial history of the two cities. Between them, the clubs boast 39 league titles, nine European Cups, and generations of shared animosity and respect.
Anfield has seen countless dramatic meetings between the two sides — from Steven Gerrard’s fiery performances in the mid-2000s to Mohamed Salah’s iconic goals in recent years. For United, historic moments like John O’Shea’s late winner in 2007 or Marcus Rashford’s brace at Old Trafford in 2018 have ensured their supporters never lose faith ahead of this fixture.
For both teams, form often becomes irrelevant when they meet. The energy of the crowd, the psychological edge, and the sheer weight of history combine to make this fixture unpredictable, regardless of league position or momentum
Two figures who know the rivalry better than most — Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher — have offered their predictions ahead of Sunday’s clash. Both men have lived through the intensity of Liverpool–United battles, and both now occupy prominent punditry roles with Sky Sports.
Speaking on The Overlap YouTube channel, former England international Jill Scott kicked off the discussion by confidently declaring that Liverpool would “win big” at Anfield.
Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain known for his no-nonsense views, agreed with Scott’s general sentiment — though not necessarily with the suggestion of a blowout. “I’m going to go 3–1 to Liverpool,” Keane predicted. “They’ve had a tough few weeks, but United haven’t convinced me away from home. I think Anfield will make the difference.”
Jamie Carragher, Liverpool’s long-serving defender turned pundit, offered a slightly more conservative scoreline. “I’ll say 2–1 to Liverpool,” he said, prompting former teammate Gary Neville to jokingly point out Carragher’s cautious optimism.
Though their predicted outcomes differ marginally, both Keane and Carragher agreed that Liverpool are likely to edge the contest. It’s a testament to how Anfield’s atmosphere and Liverpool’s record in home fixtures continue to command respect — even among rivals
Liverpool’s record this season reflects both promise and vulnerability. They have played 10 games across all competitions, winning seven. However, six of those victories have come by a single-goal margin — an indication of how fine the line between success and failure has been.
Their only comfortable win came on the opening weekend, when they defeated Bournemouth 4–2 at Anfield. Since then, every match has been a battle decided by moments of brilliance or lapses in concentration.
Interestingly, many of Liverpool’s wins have come through goals scored deep into stoppage time — a quality reminiscent of their never-say-die reputation under Klopp but also suggestive of an ongoing struggle to impose control early in matches.
Ahead of the game, both managers offered thoughtful reflections on the challenge ahead — emphasizing mutual respect and the magnitude of the fixture.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged United’s potential, warning that their position in the table does not fully reflect their performances.
> “I look forward to every single Premier League game, but maybe even more to the United one, because I know how special it is,” said Slot. “I’ve already experienced how unique this fixture feels, and it’s one of the most-watched games in the world. That’s an honour, but it also demands our best performance.
> “United, in my opinion, have been better than the results show. We’ll need to be sharp, disciplined, and brave. Our fans have been incredible — they know the team needs them now more than ever. After three defeats, their support can help us turn things around.”
United boss Ruben Amorim struck a philosophical tone when asked about the broader rivalry between the two clubs.
> “Sometimes things change very fast in football,” he said. “There are periods where one club dominates, then the other. That’s the nature of football history. There were times when Manchester United were winning everything while Liverpool struggled, and there were times when Liverpool were on top.
> “We have to be honest with our fans and keep building. We can win any game if we believe in the process and focus on the next challenge. To reach Liverpool’s level will take time — but that’s the ambition.”
The match is likely to hinge on several critical areas of the pitch. Liverpool’s high pressing and attacking full-backs will test United’s ability to build from the back — an element that Amorim has sought to refine. If United’s defenders, particularly Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot, can resist the early press and progress the ball cleanly, they may create openings against a Liverpool side occasionally exposed on transitions.
Slot’s Liverpool, meanwhile, will rely heavily on the energy of Dominik Szoboszlai and the creativity of Gravenberch to break through United’s compact midfield. With Ekitike gradually settling into life in England, his movement between the lines could be pivotal in unsettling United’s back four.
United’s best hopes may rest on counterattacking opportunities. With Rashford’s pace and Garnacho’s directness, they can exploit the spaces behind Liverpool’s attacking full-backs. Bruno Fernandes’ ability to thread passes through tight channels could be crucial in releasing those runners.
At the other end, Liverpool will look to exploit United’s defensive inconsistency. Despite improvements under Amorim, United have conceded multiple goals in several away fixtures this season. The aerial presence of Darwin Núñez, combined with the technical precision of Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, could prove decisive.
Liverpool enter the game with a few injury concerns. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister remains doubtful after picking up a minor hamstring issue during Argentina’s international duty. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed the last league fixture, faces a late fitness test but could feature on the bench.
United’s injury list is longer. Centre-back Raphael Varane and midfielder Mason Mount are both sidelined, while young forward Rasmus Højlund faces a race against time to be fit. Amorim may again turn to Scott McTominay in midfield, alongside Casemiro and Fernandes, to provide a balance o
Few stadiums in the world match Anfield for intensity on a big occasion. Liverpool’s home crowd has often been described as a “12th man,” particularly in fixtures of this magnitude. The rendition of *You’ll Never Walk Alone* before kickoff is expected to set a rousing tone.
The anticipation around the city is palpable. Supporters’ groups have organized flag displays in the Kop, while police have issued safety reminders to both sets of fans amid the heightened atmosphere the fixture typically generates.
For many Liverpool supporters, this game represents a turning point. A win would not only halt their losing streak but also reaffirm belief in Slot’s project. For United fans, victory at Anfield would be symbolic — a statement that their new era under Amorim is gaining traction.
Liverpool: 10 games (7 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses)
Manchester United: 10 games (5 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses)
Recent Head-to-Head: Liverpool have won three of the last five meetings, including a 4–1 victory at Old Trafford last season.
Liverpool have scored in every home fixture so far this campaign but have also conceded in each of their last five. United’s away form, by contrast, remains fragile — with just one clean sheet in seven away league matches stretching back to last season
While early in the season, the fixture carries significant implications. For Liverpool, three points would re-establish them among the league’s top contenders and quiet growing whispers of instability under Slot. For United, victory would strengthen Amorim’s credibility and suggest tangible progress after years of inconsistency.
Beyond the immediate points, this is about momentum and belief — two intangible qualities that often define the course of a season
Other pundits have also weighed in ahead of the fixture. Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville, speaking on *Sky Sports Monday Night Football*, suggested that Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities give United “a real chance if they’re brave enough.” Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch told TNT Sports that he expects a tight contest. “I think both sides are going through a bit of transition, but Liverpool at Anfield are always favourites. I’d say 2–1 Liverpool, but it could go either way if United press high
Journalist Melissa Reddy, covering the game for The Independent, noted that Slot’s tactical evolution — particularly his attempts to blend pressing with structured buildup — remains a work in progress. “The players are still adjusting,” she said, “but there’s enough quality in this squad to find results even when performances aren’t perfect.
Regardless of Sunday’s result, both clubs are in the midst of long-term rebuilding projects.
For Liverpool, Slot represents a new chapter following Klopp’s iconic tenure. His methods, influenced by Dutch footballing philosophy, emphasize control, positional play, and quick transitions. While some supporters yearn for the emotional highs of Klopp’s heavy-metal football, Slot’s approach is designed to ensure sustainability and adaptability.
For United, Amorim’s appointment marked another attempt to restore identity and coherence. His youthful energy, tactical clarity, and focus on development align with the club’s long-term ambitions. However, the transition has been far from seamless — particularly given the pressure to deliver immediate results at one of the world’s most demanding clubs
Liverpool versus Manchester United is never just about football. It’s about pride, history, and the undying passion of two fanbases that measure themselves against each other before anyone else.
As Roy Keane once famously said, “When you play Liverpool, it’s not just another game. It’s war — in the best sporting sense.” That sentiment still rings true today.
While both sides enter Sunday’s encounter with imperfections, the fixture’s allure remains undiminished. A single goal, a single moment of brilliance, or a single mistake could define not just the match, but perhaps the trajectory of each team’s season.
Whether it ends 2–1 or 3–1 — as Carragher and Keane respectively predict — what’s certain is that the football world will once again pause to witness the latest chapter in one of its most storied rivalries.
