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Even in pre-season and without many first team members, a Manchester United vs Liverpool game cannot be taken lightly. There is just too much at stake and none of the two sides would want to lose this one.
Last season, United got the upper hand against their bitter rivals, taking 4 points away from them in the premier league, including that Marcus Rashford show at Old Trafford, where his brace dismantled Liverpool.
Since then however, both clubs have ended the season without any trophies. United were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup Final and Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final - the closest that either club came to trophies last season.
Liverpool fans already have an edge over their Red Devil counterparts before the start of the season. Their club are clearly the more active of the two teams in the transfer window this season, while United still seem surprisingly quiet. But coming back to pre-season, United have fared better of the two – but only on paper.
Manchester United are still unbeaten in their pre-season games, drawing two and winning the first game in the Intercontinental Champions Cup in a sensational penalty shootout against AC Milan.
Liverpool on the other hand, lost their first game of the Intercontinental Champions Cup to Borussia Dortmund, but have since regained their confidence after their win against Manchester City.
And so it sets up an interesting tie at the Michigan Stadium or ‘The Big House’, which incidentally hosted the Manchester United vs Real Madrid pre-season game in 2014. The last time United played Liverpool in pre-season was also in 2014, in the Intercontinental Cup Final. United, under the management of Louis Van Gaal then, had gone a goal behind early, but rallied behind their attack to win the game 3-1.
Team News
David De Gea and Fred are with the squad but their involvement is in doubt as they do not have too many practice sessions under their belt. Anthony Martial is on leave and Valencia is injured. Mourinho could be tempted to go with the same line up unless fatigue issues interfere.
Liverpool are without Nathaniel Clyne who has returned home for personal reasons, while Matip was injured in the first game. Naby Keita is a doubtful after picking up a neck injury. Allisson is yet to start a game in pre-season.
Predicted Manchester United Team: Grant; Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Shaw; Pereira, Herrera, McTominay; Mata, Sanchez
Predicted Liverpool Team: Karius; Gomez, Van Dijk, Klavan, Robertson; Fabinho, Camacho, Milner; Salah, Origi, Mane
While it is to be seen if the game can generate enough excitement in the United States, Manchester United fans will be pumped up about the tie and here are six points they will be looking forward to in anticipation.
#6 Can United youngsters cope with the pressures of a Liverpool game?
The United youngsters have given a pretty decent account of themselves in the tour so far and this will be their first test of composure. Every one in the team will know the importance of this game.
Every mistake, every missed pass, every error committed in a Liverpool game can haunt you for the whole season. For most of them, this will be the first experience of the hostile encounter in a senior environment, even in the recluses of a pre-season.
If they can show the composure they have exhibited in the last three games and keep doing what they have been doing so far, they should be fine. They will also learn of the intensity of the game, as the senior players will not be giving an inch away without a fight and some part of that tenacity should rub into them too.
Some of the youngsters in the tour will be hoping to play some role with the first team in the next season and that's why, how they approach this game will be vital for their development.
#5 Will Mourinho be defensive again?
Against the top teams last season, Mourinho had most often set out a defensive line up, often restraining his more attacking players and asking them to be more involved in pressing and playing to keep the opposition at bay.
The game against Milan showed how this depleted United team could still play exciting counter attacking football, using the pace of Sanchez and the vision of Andreas Pereira to good effect.
But Mourinho, notoriously known for his tendency to be defensive, could reign in the United attackers and ask them to sit deep and show less ambition. Against Milan, United saw less of the ball and yet wasted little time in possession, looking to hit the opposition on the counter and play more direct balls. United fans will be hoping Mourinho keeps the integrity of his team intact.
#4 Will Luke Shaw flourish?
If the transfer window is any indication, United will be looking at Luke Shaw and Ashley Young to settle the left back role among themselves. After a stellar world cup, it is advantage Young now, but unfortunately, he does not have age on his side.
So, it is clear that Luke Shaw will have his moments this season. It is now up to Shaw to cement his place in the team and do justice to his potential.
Shaw has shown flashes of quality in the pre-season so far and this will be his toughest game so far, as he might have to address the issue of marking Salah.
But it is time for Shaw to use these games as a stepping stone to flourish and strengthen his natural game. He has not been too bad so far in pre-season, but he will be looking to have a greater impact on games and what better scenario to choose to display his dominance, than a Liverpool game?
#3 Will Fred and Chong play a part in the game?
Fred has been training with the team since his arrival and as of now, he is the only reason to rejoice for United fans, who would be dying to get a glimpse of him in the red shirt. Fred comes with a lot of expectations on his shoulders.
Fans will be hoping that they can catch a glimpse of his abilities, however brief that might be, against Liverpool.
Chong on the other hand, had a great end to the first pre-season game and then he had a rather subdued outing against San Jose. His trickery and speed could come in handy from the right against Liverpool, so it will be interesting to see if he has any involvement in this game.
Ideally, Mourinho should be looking to play him more, so that the boy can build himself up to speed and be ready for first team action next season. In absence of any new signings in the right side of the midfield, Tahith Chong could be the only sparkle in that part of the field.
The United fans will be desperately waiting to see what part he plays in the Liverpool game.
#2 Can Pereira assert his authority against stronger opponents?
Andreas Pereira has been the star of the pre-season for Manchester United. He has displayed so many facets of his game in the three matches and United fans are rightly overjoyed.
He can press, he can tackle, he can win the ball. He can brush aside opponents and change position in a flash after quick interchanges between the defenders or his midfield compatriots.
He switches the play from one side of the pitch to another, he brings in the wings backs into the game. He is always available for a pass and makes those late runs into the box. And his vision has been improving with each game.
The weight on his long balls have been excellent too and he possesses the skills and trickery to play those cute balls into the box. Understandably, expectations are building and the Liverpool game comes at a crucial time.
This game shall determine if Pereira has the goods or it was just the pre-season rose-tinted glasses that projected an illusion of him. Pereira will be absolutely pivotal in this game and United fans will be fixated on him.
#1 Can Alexis Sanchez hurt Liverpool?
United was already depleted in the strikers department when Anthony Martial had to return to the US to be with his partner who is expecting their second child. With no other option in hand, Mourinho allowed Sanchez to start through the middle and the Chilean ran riot as well as scoring a goal.
It was one of his better games for United, even though it was just a pre-season friendly. He looked sharp, he looked meaner, fitter than before and he had a purpose about him. It looked like Sanchez had finally arrived at Manchester United and United fans were delighted with his performance.
Against Liverpool, Sanchez will need to be in the same inspired form and will be hoping to test Van Dijk through the middle. He will know that this game cannot be lost.
He will know that this game, even in pre-season, has the ability to propel his name into United folklore and as such, he will be looking at it as an opportunity. He will also have Karius on his mind, with the unfortunate goalkeeper being error prone even in pre-season and Sanchez will be hoping to capitalize on his mistakes.
United fans, on the other hand, will be looking to see if Sanchez can build on his partnership with his teammates, that is slowly starting to take shape. In absence of other star names in the team, Mourinho will be looking for Alexis Sanchez to inspire Manchester United against their bitter rivals.
