My mind is not at rest now because I know He is going to give me tough time, playing against Him sometimes is different than other defenders “, Muhammad Sallah reveals the One Man United player that He is afraid to face on Saturday
Mohamed Salah has admitted that his mind is unsettled as he anticipates a tough challenge this weekend, particularly because of one Manchester United defender who often gives him a hard time. According to Salah, playing against this defender feels different from facing others, making him wary as Liverpool prepares to take on Manchester United this Saturday.
Manchester United is set to host Liverpool in what promises to be a highly anticipated Premier League clash. The match will see Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot go head-to-head once again in what could be a defining moment for both teams early in the season.
United’s start to the season has been a mixed bag, with an opening victory against Fulham followed by a disappointing defeat to Brighton. Ten Hag’s side has yet to find their rhythm, and a win against one of their fiercest rivals could be the spark needed to turn their season around.
On the other hand, Liverpool has begun their campaign on a strong note, winning their first two games against Ipswich and Brentford without conceding a goal. Slot has had a smooth start in his new role, but this upcoming match against Manchester United will be his first significant test. Securing another three points would solidify Liverpool’s status as serious contenders this season.
As Ten Hag and Slot prepare to meet at Old Trafford, there is a rich history between the two managers. This weekend’s encounter will be their fifth meeting, with the previous four occurring in the Eredivisie when Ten Hag was in charge of Ajax and Slot managed Feyenoord. The pair have each secured two victories, making their rivalry evenly balanced. This upcoming match will not only be a test of their tactical prowess but also a significant moment in Premier League history, marking the first time since 2016 that two Dutch managers have faced each other in the league. The last such meeting was between Guus Hiddink and Ronald Koeman, when Chelsea took on Southampton.
Manchester United has struggled in recent years against Liverpool, managing only one win in their last 12 Premier League meetings, with five draws and six losses. That lone victory came in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford during the 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, Liverpool has been formidable at Old Trafford, losing just once in their last six Premier League visits. In fact, only Manchester City has won more often at Old Trafford than Liverpool in the competition’s history.
As the match approaches, both teams are dealing with injury concerns. For United, Mason Mount is a major doubt after being substituted at halftime against Brighton due to a knock. Mount’s fitness is a concern, especially since he missed a significant portion of last season with injuries. Additionally, United will be without Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, and Leny Yoro, although Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to make their first starts for the club.
Liverpool also has a few injury worries. Jarrell Quansah, who has been a regular at center-back, is likely to miss out due to a minor issue, paving the way for Ibrahima Konate to partner with Virgil van Dijk, who is set to make his 200th appearance for the Reds. Otherwise, Slot is expected to stick with the attacking duo of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez ready to step in if needed.
In the build-up to the game, some interesting statistics have emerged. Marcus Rashford, one of United’s key players, has a strong record against Liverpool, having scored seven goals in his 10 appearances against them at Old Trafford. However, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the top-scoring visiting player at Old Trafford in Premier League history, with six goals to his name. Salah has also found the net in each of his last six away games against United, scoring nine goals in total.
In terms of transfer news, Manchester United is reportedly on the verge of signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, with many tipping the Uruguayan midfielder to be a perfect fit for the club. Ugarte has even drawn comparisons to a Liverpool legend, highlighting the impact he could have on United’s midfield.
As the stage is set for this monumental clash, both teams will be looking to make a statement, with bragging rights and crucial points on the line. The match between Manchester United and Liverpool is always a highlight of the Premier League calendar, and this weekend’s encounter is shaping up to be no different.
