The derby day is almost here. Manchester United will host Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in one of the biggest matches of the season. It was a long time since this clash had the magnitude this one could have. Since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, there was only one season in which either side had a real title push, back in 2014.
Now, it is again Liverpool who have a real chance of becoming champions of England, but Man United will try to do their best in order to make their lives harder. Old Trafford is becoming the fortress once again, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is doing wonderful things these days. Man United also need to get to the fourth place at the end of the season and qualify for Champions League.
Those are all of the reasons why this match is so anticipated. Here are the four things we would like to see from the big clash.
Another Rashford Masterclass
Marcus Rashford bagged two goals in Man United’s 2-1 win in March 2018 and it was a truly brilliant occasion. Now, more than ever in his career, Rashford is doing great things on the pitch, scoring regularly as the lone striker. Against Liverpool, he was on the left wing, tormenting Trent Alexander Arnold, but this time he will have to fight with centre-backs. Still, Rashford is backed to do well, as his mixture of pace, skill and intelligence can harm anyone in this league. That is what we want to see once again.
Effectiveness Of Midfield Triangle
Man United will probably play once again in 4-2-3-1, with an inverted triangle of two holding midfielders and one attacking midfielder. Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera will be sitting deep, while Paul Pogba will be behind the striker. These three need to work very well in both directions, if they are to truly control the midfield. It is Liverpool’s midfield players that like to make things rushed and invoke chaos on the pitch, from which their front three can get to their best. United midfielders need to be effective with the ball and hard-working without it.
Composure Against Salah & Firmino
Man United’s defence will be on a big test. Jurgen Klopp might choose a 4-3-3 with Salah, Mane and Firmino up top, or a 4-2-3-1, with Mane on the left and Firmino as the number 10 behind Salah. Whatever the case, they will want to create space from a lot of movement and make United defenders out of their comfort zone. That is why their composure will be needed, to not rush into things, especially against those three pacey players. Lindelöf’s calmness could play a big part in that, too.
The Victory
And the most obvious of things. We want Manchester United to win this match. Obviously, whenever Man United cannot win the title, it is not a great season. That is why this year more than ever, it will be about choosing to smaller evil – United fans would definitely like it more for City to win the league rather than Liverpool. It is one of the biggest reasons for everyone around the team being so eager to beat Liverpool this time and prolong their 29 years long quest for the league title. Make them wait for it even more.
Leave a Reply