When Liverpool triumphed 3-0 at Old Trafford in September, Manchester United slumped to 14th in the Premier League standings. Four months later, their fortunes remain dire, with
United languishing in the same position—23 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool as they prepare for Sunday’s clash at Anfield.
United's predicament has shifted from ambitions of European qualification to a battle to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight. Teams below them are improving, increasing pressure on manager Ruben Amorim to stabilize a club that has not won the league since 2013.
Amorim has been candid about the challenges. "This club needs a shock," he admitted. "When big clubs face these moments, it’s incredibly hard to turn things around, especially without time to rebuild the basics and handle adversity. We have to accept our current position."
United’s struggles stem from both systemic issues and Amorim’s inability to halt their slide. Under his tenure, the team has lost five of their last six league matches. Despite the pressure, Amorim remains committed to his philosophy, even as the players adapt to his approach.
"If I change everything constantly, it will only make things worse," he said.
Liverpool: heavy favorites
In contrast, Arne Slot’s Liverpool are riding high, unbeaten in 23 games across all competitions. With just one league loss this season and a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, they enter Sunday’s fixture as overwhelming favorites. United have managed only one victory in their last 13 league meetings with Liverpool.
Slot is also on the cusp of making history. A win on Sunday would make him the first Liverpool manager in 88 years to secure a league double over United in his debut season. Despite off-field distractions, including contract talks involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot has kept his squad focused.
Salah, in particular, has been exceptional this season, with 17 goals and 13 assists. The Egyptian forward has a stellar record against United, with 12 goals and six assists in Premier League encounters—more than any other player in history.
"Mo and extraordinary go hand in hand," Slot remarked. "He’s earned every accolade this season."
Weekend highlights
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur face high-flying Newcastle United, who have climbed to fifth after four consecutive wins. Spurs, struggling in 11th, are plagued by injuries and suspensions and must contend with Newcastle’s in-form striker Alexander Isak, who has netted eight goals in his last six matches.
Manchester City will host West Ham United, who are reeling after a 5-0 loss to Liverpool. Without top scorer Jarrod Bowen due to a fractured foot, the Hammers face an uphill battle.
Meanwhile, Chelsea visit Crystal Palace, and Arsenal travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, aiming to exploit the Seagulls’ seven-match winless streak across all competitions. Photo by Xavoun, Wikimedia commons.