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Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday knowing that a win over their fierce rivals would not only extend their winning run to four games, but also cement their chances of finishing in the top four.Louis Van Gaal’s side haven’t conceded a league goal in almost five hours and will be hoping to end Liverpool’s five-game winning run and open up a five-point gap over the Reds. But that will be no easy task as the Reds are undefeated in the league since their 3-0 defeat to United in mid-December, and have won 10 of their 13 games since.So here are five things that Manchester United need to do to defeat Liverpool and end their unbeaten run:
#1 Stick with the winning combination
Throughout the season, either due to injuries or suspensions, Van Gaal has been unable to name the starting XI for too many games on the spin. But without any fresh injury concerns after their 3-0 win over Tottenham, the Dutchman will do well to stick with the winning formula.
Even though Angel Di Maria is available after seeing out his suspension, there is no need to bring the Argentine international straight back into the side as it disrupts the balance of the side. As the old adage goes when it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
And after their best performance of the season so far against Spurs, the Dutchman will do well to stick with the same side.
#2 Make use of Fellaini
When David Moyes brought Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United, many questioned the Scot and the Belgian’s suitability to United’s way of playing. But Van Gaal, a man famous for not bothering about what people think of him, has given Fellaini the confidence and put his trust in him.
Last Sunday’s performance against Spurs was arguably the Belgian’s best since moving to United and it showed that he can be used as something more than just a target man up front.
Although Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine league games, their defence isn’t perfect and have already shown that they can be got at, with balls into the box, both in the air, and in behind the defence, like the situation which Fellaini exploited last week.
If the 27-year-old can use his physical presence and ruffle the Reds’ defence, things will become a whole lot easier for United.
#3 Attack the flanks
One of the problems of playing with three at the back is that your wing backs have to have the energy to be able to both attack and defend for 90 minutes. And if they come up against a side that plays with a winger and a fullback who loves to go forward, their task becomes even harder and they are forced to do just one thing, defend.
One of the things United did really well against Spurs was create three versus two situations regularly and outgun the opposition on both flanks. They will need to do the same against Liverpool on Sunday, who are currently playing with attacking players and wing backs.
If Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia can push them back and stop them from getting forward, they will not only create more opportunities going forward, but also stifle the home side’s attacking options.
#4 Dominate midfield battle
The return of Michael Carrick has given United some much-needed stability in the centre of the park. With Ander Herrera alongside him, the Englishman who recently extended his contract with United, has a player with the legs to do all the running.
On Sunday, the pair will come up against their biggest threat yet. In the absence of Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson have managed to forge a fruitful partnership in central midfield, not too dissimilar to the way the United pair have. Both players possess the vision to pick out the right balls going forward and United will need to find a way to stop them from doing what they do best.
Whether it be using Fellaini effectively to disrupt their rhythm or Herrera and his energy to hustle them into mistakes, United will need to stop the Liverpool duo from dictating the game, for if they do, it will be a long game for the visitors.
#5 Stay defensively compact
Although Manchester United have the third-best defence in the league, much of that is down to David De Gea and not the defence in front of him. But on Sunday, with the pace of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho, United’s centre backs need to stay nice and compact.
Both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have the pace to deal with the Liverpool duo, but they will need to be on their toes and watch their man at all times, as they are more than capable of turning and running in behind the defence, as they did with frightening regularity when the pair last met in December.
If United are to come away with three points from Anfield, the centre backs will need to stay disciplined and keep their concentration throughout the game.
