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Match preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United
As fans use the search tool to prepare for one of the biggest fixtures in English football, the injury landscape for Liverpool is particularly severe. Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool head coach on June 1, 2024, faces a depleted squad ahead of the clash with third-placed Manchester United. Liverpool currently sit fourth in the Premier League, three points behind United. A win would see them leapfrog their rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.
Mohamed Salah sustained a minor muscle injury during the recent match against Crystal Palace and was substituted. Initially feared to be serious, it has been confirmed as a minor issue, and he is expected to return before the end of the season. However, he will miss the Manchester United fixture. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with the Egyptian winger linked with a move away from Anfield.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been sidelined for the last seven games due to a knee injury. He was close to a return for the Crystal Palace match but was not deemed fit enough to start. Slot has indicated that the club is looking into his recurring muscle injuries. Alisson will miss the Manchester United match.
Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo suffered a significant ankle and foot injury in February. He has begun outdoor rehabilitation exercises but will not be available for the Manchester United match or the following week. Slot expects him to be ready for the World Cup, with a return by the end of the season anticipated.
Right-back Conor Bradley sustained a long-term knee injury in January and has undergone surgery. He is expected to be out for the remainder of the season. Forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in April and has undergone surgery. He faces a long rehabilitation period and is unlikely to return until 2027; he had scored 17 goals before his injury.
Young centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his debut in September and will be unavailable until the 2026-27 season. He has been seen training on grass, indicating progress in his rehabilitation. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili sustained a knee injury against Everton and is expected to be out for a few weeks. Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is on standby to deputise.
Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has not featured this season due to injury and is unlikely to play again this season. Young forward Jayden Danns has not featured since March and is also unlikely to play again this season. Curtis Jones is expected to be out for a couple of weeks with a muscle injury.
For Manchester United, manager Michael Carrick has his own concerns. Defender Matthijs de Ligt is out with a back problem and will miss the match. Lisandro Martinez is suspended for the match, serving the final game of a three-match ban. Forward Matheus Cunha missed the recent match against Brentford due to a minor hip problem but has returned to training and is expected to be available for selection; he has been a key player for United, scoring the winner against Chelsea. Left-back Luke Shaw is a doubt for the match after being forced off against Brentford; a late fitness assessment will determine his availability.
The historical rivalry between the two clubs is among the fiercest in world football. Manchester United have a historical edge in head-to-head encounters, with 84 wins to Liverpool’s 72. However, Liverpool have had more recent success, winning three of their last five away visits to Old Trafford. Manchester United are aiming to complete their first league double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season. Liverpool are looking to bounce back after a recent dip in form, with their title challenge faltering. Manchester United have been in strong form, securing crucial wins to push for Champions League qualification.
Slot, who previously managed Feyenoord and led them to an Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in 2024, holds a managerial record of 98 wins, 29 draws, and 23 losses at Feyenoord. He also led Feyenoord to the UEFA Europa Conference League final in his first season and is the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, achieving this in his first season at Liverpool. The fixture provides another opportunity to assess his tactical approach and his ability to navigate high-pressure games with a depleted squad.
