Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
“Amorim Has Arrived!” That was the headline reverberating across every platform as Manchester United fans heralded the start of a new chapter under their Portuguese tactician. Yet, a disastrous December—marked by four league defeats—has left many questioning if 2025 will bring the turnaround they desperately crave.
Happy New Year to all our dedicated readers! Here’s hoping the Red Devils turn the page and find their winning form this year. This Sunday, Amorim’s Red Army marches into the lion’s den—Anfield—to face the league leaders and most in-form side, Liverpool. Led by the unstoppable Mohamed Salah, Liverpool promises a stern test. Can Manchester United rise above the pressure and shock the footballing world, or will their struggles deepen in the new year? The answer awaits in this blockbuster clash.
Meanwhile, Carrington is abuzz with headlines surrounding Marcus Rashford. His off-pitch lifestyle has reportedly contributed to his exclusion from recent matches. While he made the bench against Newcastle, Amorim opted not to bring him on. Midweek reports initially suggested Rashford was training well and had management’s approval, but Amorim later clarified that Rashford had been ill and unable to train. The confusion has fueled speculation, with Rashford’s PR team hinting at his desire for “new challenges.” However, with the transfer window open, no club has yet placed a bid for him. Will Rashford stay to prove his mettle, or find a fresh start elsewhere?
In brighter news, Amad Diallo is reportedly close to signing a new contract, while Harry Maguire’s contract extension is set to be triggered.
The Red Devils’ most recent outing—a 2-0 loss to Newcastle—was a bitter pill to swallow. Goals from Alexander Isak and a Lisandro Martinez own goal exposed United’s defensive frailties, particularly from set-pieces. The team’s lack of technical proficiency and recurring errors in goal and positional play have defined the rocky start to Amorim’s tenure. While it’s too early to judge the manager without his own players, continued poor form could see the board run out of patience before his project even begins to take shape.
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim remained optimistic, emphasizing that the squad has finally had time to train cohesively. If all goes according to plan, the Red Devils could leave Anfield with a point. But consistency remains United’s Achilles heel, and predicting which version of the team will show up is anyone’s guess.
History looms large over this matchup. Four teams sitting 14th at the turn of the year have been relegated in Premier League history—Newcastle (2008-09), Burnley (2009-10), Norwich (2013-14), and Leeds (2022-23). With Manchester United in the same precarious position, Amorim has warned his players they could find themselves in a relegation scrap if they don’t snap out of their slump. The Red Devils’ six losses in December marked their worst month since September 1930, when they suffered seven defeats.
Adding to the challenge, Liverpool comes into this game in red-hot form. The Merseyside club has won their last three Premier League matches, scoring 14 goals in that span. In December alone, Liverpool netted 21 goals—three more than any other team in the league. The fearsome Mohamed Salah recorded 14 goal involvements (7 goals, 7 assists) last month, leading Liverpool’s charge. With Salah, Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo all firing, the Anfield outfit remains unbeaten in their last 23 matches across all competitions.
The last Premier League encounter between these two ended with a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford, which was marred by many mistakes. And with Liverpool’s current form, how will Manchester United survive?
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the clash promises to be electrifying. Will Manchester United defy expectations and reclaim their pride, or will Liverpool continue their ruthless march at the summit?
Manchester United’s record against Liverpool:
| Games won: | 91 |
| Games drawn: | 70 |
| Games lost: | 82 |
Team News:
(As of today 04/01/2025)
Liverpool: Joe Gomes is out, Ibrahim Konate and Conor Bradley are fighting to be fit.
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford remain unavailable.
Prediction:
Liverpool’s form and firepower make them the clear favorites in this encounter. Even if United put up a fight, Liverpool’s dominance is likely to shine through.
Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United
What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!