Welcome to the big match preview of this raucous rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. Liverpool top dogs in the 70s and 80s, overtaken by Manchester United in the 90s and the noughties. This is the most important fixture in the calendars of these two teams, and it simply is a must-not-lose fixture at any cost.
Let’s get into the preview.
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick-Off: 4:30 PM (BST), 2nd May 2021
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Head-to-Head
Manchester United’s dominance in this fixture coincides with their success in the Premier League era. Things though have changed slightly since Liverpool became a dominant force once again, but despite that, their last win at Old Trafford was back in 2014.
At Old Trafford
Played: 28
Manchester United: 16 Draw: 7 Liverpool: 5
Opta Stats
- Liverpool haven’t lost consecutive games against Man Utd in all competitions since a run of four between 2014/2016, with the Reds losing 3-2 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in January.
- In the Premier League, Manchester United have won just one of their last nine meetings with Liverpool (D6 L2), and are winless in five against the Reds (D3 L2). They last had a longer winless run against Liverpool in the top-flight between December 1989 and October 1992 (seven games).
- Manchester United have drawn seven league games 0-0 this season – only in 1980-81 (eight) have they been involved in more goalless draws in a single league campaign. The Red Devils have the most goalless draws of any side in the Premier League this season.
- Manchester United have won 28 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, with only Newcastle in 2001-02 (34) and Man Utd themselves in 2012-13 (29) earning more in a single campaign. Meanwhile, Liverpool have dropped 15 points from winning positions this term, their most in a season since 2016-17 (18).
- Liverpool have won five of their last seven away league games (D1 L1), more than they had in their previous 15 on the road (W4 D6 L5).
- Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has managed away at Man Utd without ever winning more times than any other opponent in his managerial career (six – D4 L2).
- Marcus Rashford has been involved in five goals in his last four games in all competitions for Man Utd against Liverpool at Old Trafford, scoring four and assisting one.
- Mohamed Salah scored twice in Liverpool’s 2-3 defeat at Manchester United in the FA Cup this season. The only Liverpool player to score away against Man Utd in two different games in a season was 100 years ago – Harry Chambers in 1920-21.
League Position
Manchester United: 2nd
Liverpool: 6th
Form (Last 5)
Manchester United: WWWDW
Liverpool: LWDDD
Team News
For Manchester United, Anthony Martial (knee) and Phil Jones (knee) remain sidelined, however there are no new injuries to deal with for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
For Liverpool, Nat Phillips (hamstring) will be missing. Jordan Henderson (groin) and Divock Origi (muscle) are long-term absentees.
Prediction
I think Manchester United will be favourites. They had an excellent midweek result and will be full of confidence. Liverpool meanwhile just cannot put a run of wins. Although their form has been better on the road, at Old Trafford, things are different. They lost 3-2 in the FA Cup earlier this season and haven’t won there since March 2014. Expect a tight affair, with Manchester United edging it. No, I don’t see a repeat of the FA Cup tie.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool