Manchester United agreement reached as clear Arne Slot Liverpool message needed
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The ECHO's Liverpool writers assess if Sunday is a good time to host Manchester United in the Premier LeagueTheo Squires was appointed Liverpool FC Writer for the Liverpool ECHO in 2021, after covering EURO 2020 at Wembley as England reached their first major men's final since 1966. Premier League champions Liverpool return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host Manchester United in the most-watched club fixture in football.
The Reds have had the upper hand against their historic rivals in recent years, generally, but United's last two visits to Anfield have resulted in draws.After victories of 4-0 and 7-0 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, Erik ten Hag's side ground out a goalless draw in 2024 before Ruben Amorim's under-fire team were able to emerge with a creditable 2-2 result last season.With Liverpool looking to end a run of three straight defeats, having lost to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea before the international break, the debate is whether or not this game - against their arch rivals - is a good one or not for Arne Slot right now?READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Virgil van Dijk opens up on Liverpool captaincy, culture and why new-look team must deliverREAD MORE: I wanted to sign world-class Liverpool player - He was a priority but our situation was woefulTo get into that, the ECHO's dedicated Liverpool writers tackle that question head on as the Reds aim to put a difficult week behind them before the international break.Paul GorstJurgen Klopp once famously declared that everyone needed to be on top form at Anfield for the visit of Manchester City in 2019 by urging "even the guy who sells hot dogs" to bring their A game. The last two years have seen Manchester United trudge down the M62 with their heads bowed and their confidence shot and many neutrals, as a result, have predicted landslide victories in the manner of the 7-0 humiliation in 2023.That 'narrative' led to some slack performances and Liverpool, despite their superiority in the league, were unable to show why they have been the better team as a result, with both games ending in draws.A switched-on and 'at it' Liverpool are more than good enough to beat this United team at home and dominating midfield and keeping the pressure on at a red-hot Anfield will be key to victory on the day.
There's no better team to beat for a team looking for an important win - but that message rings true for United also.Theo SquiresYou will have to go back many a year to find the last time Manchester United came to Anfield as the 'in-form' team, even if that is not enough to earn Ruben Amorim's side 'favourites' status against Liverpool this time around.The Reds have not been at their best this season, and have had a long international break to stew over their three successive losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.They've surrendered top spot in the Premier League table as a result and, courtesy of being involved in the top-flight's penultimate fixture this weekend, could find themselves overtaken by Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and one of AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace by the time they kick-off on Sunday evening.And let's not forget Arsenal also have the opportunity to build a four-point lead over Liverpool.Arne Slot's men have to respond. United could be exactly what it takes for Liverpool to jumpstart their season.