Liverpool vs Man Utd: Preview, predictions and fixtures

Liverpool and Manchester United wrapped up their tour of the United States early on Sunday when they clashed in a pre-season friendly.

Arne Slot’s season is off to a good start following pre-season wins over Real Betis and Arsenal. The Reds beat the Spanish side 1-0 thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal and followed up that victory with a 2-1 win over Arsenal in Philadelphia. At that time, it was Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho who got their names on the score sheet.

Man Utd’s pre-season has been fantastic under Dutch coach Erik ten Hag. The loss to Rosenborg was followed by a 2-0 win over Rangers ahead of their US tour. The Red Devils then lost 2-1 at Arsenal before winning 3-2 at Real Betis recently. Injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and new player Leny Yoro also overshadowed pre-season preparations.

Here it is 90 min guide to Liverpool’s friendly against Premier League rivals Man Utd.

*Saturday 3 August

Liverpool vs Man Utd H2H Record (Last Five Matches)

Current form (all competitions)

Liverpool are still waiting for a number of summer signings to return, including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister. They will not meet the Reds before their final pre-season game in the United States, with Andy Robertson injured despite traveling to North America.

However, Ryan Gravenberch and Iraima Konate have now joined their team-mates across the pond and Slot revealed that they will play 45 minutes against Man Utd. Diogo Jota did the same against Arsenal after representing Portugal at Euro 2024.

Curtis Jones was an injury doubt for Arsenal’s game after beating Real Betis, but he returned to the starting line-up. Dominik Szoboszlai was used as a substitute midfielder last week and did an excellent job in an unusual role.

Liverpool predicted to face Man Utd (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van den Berg, Tsimikas; Elliott, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Jota, Carvalho.

Man Utd are still without their summer international stars. Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw are among the first team players missing from the American tour.

The Red Devils struggled with injuries every term last term and are already facing similar problems ahead of the new campaign. Hojlund faces six weeks on the sidelines after injuring himself against Arsenal, while new signing Yoro is expected to be on the treatment table for a painful three months.

Marcus Rashford was also forced to leave the field early due to injury during their 3-2 win over Real Betis. It remains to be seen how serious England’s fitness concerns are as the Premier League draws closer to the day.

Man Utd predicted to face Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, McTominay; Diallo, Mount, Sancho; Wheatley.

With injuries already plaguing Man Utd’s small-numbered side, Ten Hag will not be relishing the clash with rivals Liverpool, who have won two games on the spin and are starting to find their feet under the Slot.

Liverpool’s considerable depth across the pitch should come in handy, especially given the amount of rotation that occurs during pre-season friendlies. The Reds look threatening going forward against Arsenal with Harvey Elliott pulling the strings and Salah could continue his impressive goalscoring record against Man Utd this weekend.

However, there are likely to be bumps in the road for Liverpool at the start of the new season and they will be given a stern test in South Carolina.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Man Utd

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