Manchester United v Liverpool: A must win for both sides?

Given how Manchester United and Liverpool have started their seasons, is this game a must-win for both sides at Old Trafford?

The timing of this clash has got everyone interested as both sides have struggled to gain any momentum in their first two Premier League matches. 

Liverpool have been held to two frustrating draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace, while Manchester United have been humiliated by Brighton and Brentford. 

Plenty is on the line when the sides meet on Monday night and we’ve crunched the stats to see who’s most likely to come out on top. 

 

Liverpool’s stuttering start 

Plenty of people would have had Liverpool in the top two of their predicted Premier League season at the start of the year, but something has felt a little bit off so far. 

Liverpool have been guilty of conceding first in each of their opening two matches as their backline has been showing some signs of weakness. 

Liverpool have averaged an xG against them of 1.4 per 90, which is a substantial increase from last season. 

Last season Liverpool were able to limit their opponents to an xG of just 0.9, the second-best record in the league, but this year their solidly has been questioned. 

Of course, some of Liverpool’s shortcomings can be attributed to their current injury-hit squad. 

Against Crystal Palace, the likes of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Thiago, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate were all absent from the squad. 

Jurgen Klopp’s frustration with Darwin Nunez was understandable as he was sent off against Palace and will add to Liverpool’s problems ahead of the United match up. 

Despite their struggles though, it’s not all been bad news. 

Liverpool have averaged an xG of 1.8 per 90, which is the third highest in the Premier League. 

Liverpool have slightly underperformed their scoring output so far and given how clinical their forward line has proven to be over the years, this is only expected to increase with time. 

 

Where it’s gone wrong for Man United 

Erik ten Hag’s start to life as Manchester United manager couldn’t have gone much worse if we’re being honest. 

An opening day defeat to Brighton was followed up with a dismal display against Brentford and the stats from their opening two matches are quite the cause for concern. 

Man United have averaged an xG against them of 1.6 per 90, which is the fourth highest in the league behind Nottingham Forest, Southampton and West Ham. 

They have also underperformed their xG so far and with uncertainty currently hanging over Cristiano Ronaldo’s head, it’s not clear where the main source of goals is going to come from. 

It appears as if they are going to pursue a deal for Real Madrid’s Casemiro, but he is unlikely to be signed before the teams meet on Monday night.  

Man United have faced 14 shots per game so far, compared to Liverpool who have faced just 8 per game.  

Erik ten Hag has started to implement his style of play, but unless the results soon follow it won’t be long until he’s under pressure. 

 

Who comes out on top? 

Despite both sides struggling so far, Liverpool undoubtedly come into this game as the favourites and perhaps that will suit Manchester United to play the role of the underdog. 

Liverpool have had the better of this fixture in recent history as Man United have only beaten them twice across their last 15 meetings. 

Last season Liverpool convincingly did the double over Man United by an aggregate score of 9-0. 

Of course, Liverpool will be missing some key players for this fixture, but if they want to keep the pace with City at the start of the season, only a win will do here.