{"id":632738,"date":"2023-12-17T02:00:55","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T07:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=632738"},"modified":"2023-12-15T14:28:58","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T19:28:58","slug":"liverpool-manchester-united-preview-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2023\/12\/17\/liverpool-manchester-united-preview-prediction\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;They Can Put Everything Right&#8217; &#8211; Home Side Weary of United Response: Liverpool vs Manchester United Prediction"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Last Word on Football previews and offers a prediction for Liverpool vs. Manchester United at Anfield in a crucial fixture for both sides with contrasting ambitions in this season&#8217;s Premier League.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Liverpool vs Manchester United &#8211; Problems Mounting for Red Devils Ahead of Clash With Rivals<\/span><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udd34 Erik ten Hag when asked if he still as Manchester United backing: \u201cI feel that, and they tell me that\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s fine, that\u2019s ok, but I\u2019m focusing on the process and making this team better, making these individuals better\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/DAahaY74So\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/DAahaY74So<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FabrizioRomano\/status\/1735655587478716782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 15, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Title Aspirations Back on the Menu at Anfield<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Numerous questions were being pegged at Jurgen Klopp&#8217;s new-look Liverpool side at the start of the campaign after a busy summer transfer window overhauled the midfield on the back of a disappointing 2022\/23 season that resulted in the Reds missing out on Champions League football. The result has been emphatic, with the Merseyside outfit sitting at the top of the table heading into this weekend&#8217;s round of fixtures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is now just one league defeat in 16, partly due to the controversial\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skysports.com\/football\/news\/11095\/12977275\/the-debrief-liverpool-want-replay-but-var-drama-shows-how-greater-accuracy-has-changed-our-attitude-to-errors\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">VAR debacle<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in September. There have been moments where the team have struggled &#8211; and has fallen behind in several outings but has displayed a mentality once synonymous with Klopp&#8217;s Liverpool in coming from behind to grind out results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Read More:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2023\/12\/14\/manchester-united-raphael-varane-contract-situation\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2018Experienced\u2019 Manchester United Star Can Talk to Foreign Clubs in January With Contract Set to Expire Next Summer<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The three most recent league victories were by a narrow margin, with late goals required in the wins over Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, and Fulham. There is belief that this side could go on and compete for the title, considering the stuttering run of form perennial champions Manchester City have suffered in the past few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The midfield overhaul has worked a treat, with Dominik Szoboszlai, in particular, earning plaudits for his performances, but there does appear to be a lack of depth of players to sit in front of the back four. Alexis Mac Allister has filled this role so far, while new signing Wataru Endo is still settling into the squad after his move from Stuttgart but has shown promise in recent matches.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Timid Showing Against Bayern Projects Spotlight Back on to Erik ten Hag<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It does appear the writing is on the wall for the Manchester United manager after a lack of attacking quality thwarted the Red Devils in the must-win Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich. The defeat was all too similar to the heavy home defeat to Bournemouth and the prior away defeat to Newcastle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is all the more puzzling when you consider the promising performances in the 3-0 win at Everton and the display in the success over Chelsea. There does not appear to be a quick fix for the manager, as the mounting injury list is restricting his ability to change his lineup and have the availability of experienced players to bring off the bench to make an impact during games. Tough matches against West Ham and Aston Villa are to follow this encounter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Read More:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2023\/12\/15\/manchester-united-julen-lopetegui-links\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2018All I Can Say\u2019: Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Ex-Real Madrid Manager\u2019s Links To Replace Erik ten Hag<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If there is a positive to take from the European defeat, it is that the defence looked more solid and was less open than in previous outings. Raphael Varane returned to the starting lineup and put in an assured display, and he will need to be at his best if selected this weekend. Captain Bruno Fernandes will sit this one out in another blow for the club. But if there is going to be a game where the players prove they are playing for their manager, it could very well be this one, as another heavy defeat could intensify speculation of his future at the helm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Manchester United have won four of their last five away league outings. The defeats away to Arsenal and Tottenham were even contests that ended up being decided by late goals, so the positive away performances offer some hope for the Old Trafford faithful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Recent Head-to-Head<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The infamous 7-0 thrashing for the home side in March ensures it is almost five years to the day &#8211; since Manchester United scored a competitive goal away at Liverpool. Their last victory at their rivals came in 2016, with a winner from Wayne Rooney under manager Louis van Gaal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Read More:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2023\/12\/12\/mason-greenwood-getafe-manchester-united-transfer\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2018We Have Talked\u2019: Getafe Interested in Surprise Permanent Move for Mason Greenwood &amp; Reveal Shock Sell-On Clause from Man Utd Loan Agreement<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, Manchester United did produce a fine display at Old Trafford in August of 2022 to beat Liverpool 2-1 with goals from England duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. The last five meetings have produced four Liverpool victories, with that game at Old Trafford being the solitary success for the Red Devils.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There have been 25 goals scored, four by Manchester United.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Liverpool vs Manchester United Prediction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All of the signs are pointing towards another heavy home win, but manager Klopp is taking nothing for granted and is weary of the criticism labelled at his opponents,\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\/5140062\/2023\/12\/15\/liverpool-man-utd-klopp-preview\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">speaking<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0ahead of the game, he stated:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&#8220;I never like when the headlines are about United not being great before we play because it\u2019s like, \u2018Okay, then this is the game where they can put everything right\u2019.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Read More:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2023\/12\/13\/donny-van-de-beek-leaving-manchester-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2018Talks Are Advancing\u2019: Bundesliga and La Liga Clubs in Race to Sign \u2018Really Intelligent\u2019 Manchester United Player<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cI don\u2019t follow United closely enough to know exactly what the problem is there, but I saw Erik ten Hag was manager of the month last month. I saw they were the team in form, so how can it be all wrong? I just don\u2019t understand it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">He does have a point, as there were signs that Ten Hag was beginning to steer the team towards the top four before the recent slump in form. It should not be expected that the away side will roll over, but it would be a surprise to see them pick up anything here. It should be a comfortable home win.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Word on Football previews and offers a prediction for Liverpool vs. Manchester United at Anfield in a crucial fixture for both sides with contrasting ambitions in this season&#8217;s Premier League. Liverpool vs Manchester United &#8211; Problems Mounting for Red Devils Ahead of Clash With Rivals \ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udd34 Erik ten Hag when asked if he still [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4692,"featured_media":632291,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,16,9367,3],"tags":[3473,4315,1963],"class_list":["post-632738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-manchester-united","category-liverpool","category-predictions","category-premier-league","tag-bruno-fernandes","tag-erik-ten-hag","tag-raphael-varane"],"modified_by":"Ricky Carroll, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/632738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4692"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=632738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/632738\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/632291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=632738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=632738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=632738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}