Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United
Liverpool take on Manchester United in the final game of their pre-season tour
In their final pre-season fixture, Manchester United will face Liverpool on Saturday in South Carolina, marking another clash between Premier League giants.
Both teams emerged victorious in their most recent friendlies.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool narrowly defeated Arsenal, while Manchester United enjoyed a five-goal thriller against Real Betis.
After a series of inconsistent results in pre-season, United bounced back from a narrow loss to Arsenal by defeating Real Betis 4-1 at the Snapdragon Stadium in California.
The first half saw goals from Iker Losada, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro, as neither team prioritized defence.
Despite a tense final half-hour, the Red Devils secured their second pre-season win.
However, the victory was bittersweet for Manchester United, as they face a growing injury crisis.
New signing Leny Yoro is sidelined for three months due to a foot injury sustained against Arsenal.
Rashford, Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund are also injured, complicating preparations for next weekend’s Community Shield against Manchester City.
Despite these setbacks, Erik ten Hag can take pride in his team’s pre-season performances in the USA.
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, also enjoyed success, guiding his team to a 2-1 win over Arsenal in Philadelphia.
Harvey Elliott stood out with two assists, setting up Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho, while Kai Havertz’s goal was not enough for Arsenal.
Liverpool’s attack was less potent in the second half, but they defended well to secure their second pre-season victory.
The Reds will have two more friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas at Anfield on August 11.
Liverpool’s primary focus is on improving upon last season, having failed to win any of their three matches against Manchester United in 2023-24.
Both Slot and Ten Hag have two victories each over the other from their previous managerial stints at AZ Alkmaar and Ajax.
United’s injury woes are significant, with Yoro’s metatarsal fracture potentially sidelining him until November and Hojlund facing six weeks out due to a hamstring injury.
Rashford and Antony are also dealing with issues, which could open opportunities for Hannibal Mejbri and Mason Mount to feature in the starting XI.
Andre Onana and Jonny Evans are also in line for potential defensive roles.
In contrast, Slot reported no new injuries from Liverpool’s win over Arsenal.
Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch, who returned from Euro 2024, are expected to make their pre-season debuts, and Diogo Jota played 45 minutes in the Arsenal match.
Curtis Jones also saw first-half action, but Andrew Robertson remains sidelined and will miss the clash with Manchester United.
Liverpool likely starting lineup: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Elliott, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Jota, Carvalho
Manchester United likely starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Lindelof, Amass; Casemiro, Eriksen; Diallo, Mount, Mejbri; McTominay
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Liverpool to play Las Palmas in behind-closed-doors friendly on August 11
