Manchester United vs Liverpool: Three players to watch out for

Manchester United and Liverpool, a rivalry over the ages have now suddenly become a battle between boys vs men. Manchester United, ever since Sir Alex Ferguson hung his boots at Old Trafford, have looked like a shadow of their past. On the other hand, Liverpool have been specifically enjoying the purple patch under Jurgen Klopp and now under Arne Slot. They are currently leading the title race in the ongoing season.

On some occasions, Manchester United have been able to win crucial games and knockouts to reminisce about their glory days. While Manchester United have struggled this season for consistency, Liverpool are on a three-game winning streak but have dropped points and have 11 points from 15 games.

Amidst the turmoil and happiness with contrasting emotions on both sides, the teams are gearing up for an important clash ahead. Manchester United are closer to relegation at this point, whereas Liverpool would be looking to extend their dominance on top of the points table. In between the table toppers Liverpool and 14th-placed Manchester United, here are the top three players to watch out for. 

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Three players to watch out for 

1. Mohamed Salah 

If there is one player Manchester United would not want to face in the English Premier League, that would be Mohamed Salah. In the ongoing season, Salah has already scored 17 goals and 13 assists in the 18 top-flight games. The Egyptian King has found the right form at the right moment and it seems like the league title is headed to Anfield with other competitors failing to catch up with them. 

Against Manchester United, Mohamed Salah scored goals like a magnet attracted to the metal. The player has scored 12 goals in the Premier League in 14 games and also has six assists, taking his G/A contribution in these fixtures to more than 1.28. Even in the FA Cup, though Liverpool did not register a win during Mohamed Salah’s stay at Anfield, he scored three goals in two matches. 

Salah’s best performance against Manchester United came when Liverpool mercilessly thrashed the Red Devils 7-0. He had two goals and two assists to his name. He also had one hattrick against the club, making him the most watched and awaited player for the fixture. With the player providing an update on his contract, this could be the final time he would be playing against the Red Devils. 

2. Bruno Fernandes

If there is one player that Manchester United would want to fire up and perform, scoring goals and using his playmaking skills, that would be Bruno Fernandes. After the player did not feature against Newcastle United in the final game of 2024 due to suspension, Manchester United fans are praying that they get a chance to see the midfield maestro play and rule the midfield. 

In the ongoing season, Bruno Fernandes has nine goals from 18 games with 0.5 G/A per 90. Though this is less than what the player contributed to the club over the past few seasons, in a season filled with poor all-around displays, Bruno’s number still makes a better cut. 

Against Liverpool, the player has featured in eight Premier League games but has only won one game and two draws. The player has scored two goals and on the other hand, in the two FA Cup fixtures, he has scored one goal for the side. With creativity and playmaking missing in the midfield for the Old Trafford outfit, Bruno Fernandes will be one of the top players to watch out for. 

3. Trent Alexander Arnold

While Manchester United continues to struggle for creativity, Liverpool has loads of creativity in their attack, midfield and defense. Trent Alexander Arnold has been one such player who has been instrumental in the team’s campaign with both attack and defense skills. He has 5 G/A to his name in the ongoing campaign in the English top flight in 17 appearances. 

In the defense, the player has 3.01 tackles per 90 and 4.04 tackles and interceptions per 90, describing his game readiness and ability to understand the game. Against win-hungry Manchester United, he will play a major role. 

Trent Alexander Arnold has a good record against Manchester United. The player has three G/A to his name. He has featured in over 13 games against Old Trafford across all competitions and has come out on top on several occasions. It remains interesting to see if he can keep the Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.