Manchester United will look to end a dismal run of four consecutive defeats as they head to Anfield to face Liverpool this afternoon.
The Reds concluded 2024 with a frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night, marking their third successive Premier League defeat. The setback also highlighted their struggles in front of goal, having failed to score in three consecutive league matches.
As a result, United head to Anfield occupying a precarious position in 14th place in the Premier League, with a modest seven-point advantage over the relegation zone. However, with the alarming fact that United have not triumphed at Anfield since 2016, and Liverpool are currently perched at the top of the table, it takes some courage to bet on Ruben Amorim’s men to create some space between them and the relegation zone.
As we prepare for this afternoon’s clash, here are five key points to consider:
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Amad’s influence
Since Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November, Amad has become United’s best performer, validating the club’s desire to secure him with a new contract as quickly as possible. He featured in the starting XI in eight of Amorim’s first eleven matches, contributing directly to seven of the 17 goals scored during that period.
However, Amad has struggled to replicate his old form, having primarily played as a No.10 on the right side in his last four Premier League appearances, having previously excelled as a right-back.
With Liverpool expected to dominate possession, it is likely that United will have to defend in numbers. Therefore, Amorim might consider reverting to a formation that would allow Amad to move back up front, ensuring a more impactful attack. However, United’s attack faltered when Amad was taken out of that full-back role, presenting a problematic decision for Amorim.
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Contenir Wrong
For United to have any chance of salvaging something from this clash, they must find a way to neutralize one of the most dangerous strikers in the game today: Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has constantly caused problems for United in the past and has an incredible tally of 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 Premier League appearances this season.
This season, Salah has been in fine form, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and scoring in all but one of his last eleven league matches. As he looks to score for the fourth straight time this afternoon, stopping him will undoubtedly be a daunting task.
Additionally, Salah has struck 15 times in 16 appearances against United in a Liverpool shirt, including a goal at Old Trafford earlier this season. Silencing him will be essential if United are to turn things around.
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A possible return for Garnacho?
Since being left out of the 2-1 win over Manchester City three weeks ago, Alejandro Garnacho has not started for United. Nonetheless, he has been used as a substitute in each of the last four matches.
Given United’s recent struggles, Amorim may be tempted to give Garnacho a starting role at Anfield in a bid to inject some energy into the team. If he is reinstated into the team, he is likely to play on the left side of the attack alongside Bruno Fernandes, who returns from suspension, operating on the opposite wing.
However, Garnacho’s inclusion will heavily depend on Amad’s position in the setup.
A chance for an unwanted story
With United enduring a five-match drought without scoring on their last visits to Anfield, it would take a bold bettor to bet on them breaking that trend this time around. However, football is often unpredictable and surprises can and do happen.
If United fail to find the net again, they would extend their Premier League goalless streak to four matches – a feat that has never happened in the Premier League era. Historically, they have had three-game droughts, but never a fourth in a row. It’s a record Amorim will be keen to avoid.
Transfer snippet
As if dealing with Salah on one side wasn’t difficult enough, United also have to deal with the threat of Luis Diaz on the other flank. The Colombian winger is having an excellent season, having recently scored at Old Trafford in the previous meeting this season.
Diaz has scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, tallying 12 goals and three assists in all competitions this season, making him a vital asset for manager Arne Slot. Interestingly, if former United caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick had had his say, Diaz might have worn red rather than red and white. He identified the Colombian while at FC Porto and recommended him, but United’s hierarchy rejected the opportunity. Since arriving at Liverpool, Diaz has racked up 36 goals in 122 appearances.
