Manchester United v Liverpool – talking points
The reverse fixture at Anfield in October finished in a forgettable 0-0 draw.
Manchester United and Liverpool renew their rivalry at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Jurgen Klopp’s side hoping to claim the victory that would see them move second.
Here, Press Association Sport details what to look out for in the lunchtime fixture.
Mourinho’s tactical approach
Resolute Reds?
Mourinho copped flak for the Anfield display because United’s attack had previously looked so potent while Liverpool’s defence had appeared vulnerable. Heading into this contest, the Reds’ backline might have found some steel as Klopp’s men have conceded only once in their previous five fixtures. Goalkeeper Loris Karius is showing consistency between the sticks, Virgil van Dijk has become the commanding presence Klopp hoped he would when he was acquired mid-season and Andrew Robertson has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite in the left-back slot. The argument will be they have not been tested by a potent forward line since conceding twice to Tottenham at the start of February.
Klopp’s top-six record in the Premier League
McTominay, Mata and United’s midfield options
As was the case against Sevilla and Chelsea, this would seem like the perfect fixture for Mourinho to deploy his emerging midfield destroyer Scott McTominay. However, McTominay was substituted at half-time in a disappointing 45-minute outing at Crystal Palace on Monday. Moreover, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata impressed off the bench in the come-from-behind victory to stake their claims for inclusion. Would Mourinho switch from his recent 4-3-3 and include Mata or Jesse Lingard as a number 10, and entrust Paul Pogba with greater defensive responsibilities, knowing his team have looked more exposed when his record signing has done so?