Manchester United’s upcoming fixture with Liverpool is going to be the toughest test the Red Devils have faced so far, according to Gary Neville.
The former United great wrote on Sky Sports, “This is the biggest game of the season for Manchester United for two reasons. Firstly, Anfield away is the ultimate test, mentally and physically with the intensity.”
There’s obviously less home grown talent but the atmosphere will be brilliant and it is a game which you dare not lose as a player.”
The former defender had many memorable clashes at Anfield, and understands the difficulty of dealing with such a hostile environment.
"I was never excited about going to Anfield. There was always too much at stake. You only got excited when you won there."
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Neville believes that United will look to see out the first half hour, and then try to take over the match.
“That first half hour is crucial and Mourinho will know that.”
Mourinho will have to make do with a depleted midfield with Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick, and Marouane Fellaini all out through injury. However, this could be the perfect opportunity for Ander Herrera to show the boss why he deserves a larger role.
United are not the only side dealing with injuries, as Liverpool’s mercurial winger Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the match through an injury suffered over the interational break.
Manchester United currently sit second in the table. But are facing steep competition from Manchester City as both teams look to keep pace atop the table.
Although Liverpool currently sit at seventh in the Premier League table, the United and Liverpool clashes are always crucial fixtures in the season, and the outcomes are always unpredictable.
Liverpool have substantially improved their attack under Jurgen Klopp. Despite that, their defending has been poor this season, as they have conceded 12 goals already, compared to United’s two.
For United, this is a great fixture to gauge where they stand against the best of the Premier League.
“This game, in some ways, defines how they are set up for a tough run of upcoming fixtures, with Tottenham and Chelsea also coming in the next four Premier League games,” wrote Neville.
Neville is a legend at Manchester United — and his hatred for Liverpool burns to this day. He’s right in saying this is the biggest game for United so far this season.
Liverpool have nothing to lose, as they have managed a mediocre start to the league campaign, but will be looking for a huge win over their arch-rivals to get them back on pace.
Mourinho will make sure his side don’t lose their heads in the buzzing atmosphere. Surely the Portuguese will have a very strict game plan for how he wants his side to approach the match.
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A draw will not suffice for United. With City banging in goals seemingly at will, United will have to push for a win themselves to make sure they aren’t left behind. This should be a fun one to watch.