The season has been far from easy for Liverpool. The Premier League holders, who added several high-profile players during the summer, were widely expected to dominate again. Names like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez joined the Anfield squad in an effort to retain the crown.
However, despite a promising start, the Reds head to Old Trafford on Sunday with a single objective: securing a place in next season’s Champions League. That’s all that remains at stake for either side.
Manchester United have been out of all cup competitions for some time and will finish the campaign with just 40 matches. For context, Arsenal have already played nearly 60 and could have six more. United’s form has been inconsistent under Ruben Amorim, but since Michael Carrick took over, they have been transformed.
A draw would be enough for United to claim a top-five finish and a Champions League berth. But this is a derby, and both teams are playing for pride and local bragging rights. More importantly, preparations for next season begin now.