'It’s not the end of the world if we don’t win': Nemanja Vidic makes Manchester United v Liverpool prediction

What's the story?

Former Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic has given his prediction for the highly-anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and the Red Devils.

The Serb also heaped praise on interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, stating that an unfavorable result for United would still not change his opinion of the manager.

In case you didn't know...

A newly-revived United, under the leadership of Solskjaer, will play host to longstanding rivals Liverpool in a game that will determine the Premier League race as well as the Champions League qualification spots in the long run.

Liverpool sit level on points with defending champions Manchester City and while a win would put the Merseyside outfit three points clear at the top of the table, a mere draw would still see them take the top spot.

The two sides met at Anfield last year in a game that saw Liverpool demolish Jose Mourinho's already-struggling side to a 3-1 defeat. The game marked Mourinho's last as United boss.

The heart of the matter

Vidic, who won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, has given his verdict on the much-awaited game, stating that the current United squad could win the game 2-1, provided they match Liverpool's "aggression and energy."

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said:

"My prediction for Sunday is 2-1 to United but they have to match Liverpool ’s aggression and energy. If they do that, they will win the match."

"The movement of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane running in behind and Roberto Firmino, that’s a challenge for the defenders. But United’s midfield have to be aggressive and not give Liverpool too much time on the ball."

He continued:

"It’s a big match and it would be a big boost for everyone around the club to win it, but it’s not the end of the world if we don’t."

The former Red Devil added that a loss for his former side would not change his mind about Solskjaer, who has done a phenomenal job with the team since his arrival.

"It wouldn’t change my mind about what Ole and the team have done in the last few months [if United lose].

Ole has done a fantastic job – I don’t know how. He got good results the first few games and then the players started to believe more and more. Now it seems like you cannot beat Man United," he added.

What's next?

Manchester United vs. Liverpool is a different essence in world football altogether. It combines, unites, divides and wrecks havoc; the kind of fixture that leaves no learned observer seated to their armchair.

The PL game is slated to commence on 24 February at Old Trafford.