The 193rd edition of the English football's biggest fixture will take place this weekend as Manchester United host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Both sides saw their unbeaten starts to the new Premier league season come to an end before the international break and Saturday evening's kickoff will give them a chance to bounce back in the best possible way.
Both sides saw their unbeaten starts to the new Premier league season come to an end before the international break and Saturday evening's kickoff will give them a chance to bounce back in the best possible way.
If matters on the field have not been convincing so far this season for Manchester United, their dealings off it during the closing stages of the transfer window raised yet more questions. While United's actions off the attention away from their loss to Swansea, Liverpool have been left to stew over a damaging defeat of their own during the international break.
One player who did remain at Old Trafford was David de Gea following the dramatic collapse of his move to Real madrid due to the paperwork being filed late. The Spanish goalkeeper has signed a new 4-year year contract.
De Gea says: “I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career. I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career. I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful."
Manager Van Gaal says: “I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come. David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him.”
United are ready to bounce back…“Liverpool is the perfect game to come back to after the international break,” says assistant manager Ryan Giggs. “Old Trafford will be bouncing for a late kick-off. All the players are looking forward to it and I’m sure the fans are, too. Liverpool is always a special game and it’s even more special when you win, so we can’t wait.”
How will Liverpool approach the game?Right-back Nathaniel Clyne has an idea of how to beat United. “One of the reasons I signed for Liverpool is to play in big matches like this,” he says. “Playing at Old Trafford last season with Southampton and getting the three points was a great feeling. It was a well-deserved victory; you have to be on top of your game if you want to come away with three points. Working hard, playing on the front foot and taking the game to them is going to be key. We can’t allow them to pass the ball around as they like to or have too much free space."
Match facts:
The big question mark in terms of team news for this match surrounds De Gea. The keeper has not been included in the United matchday squad so far this season but, with the uncertainty over his future now put to bed, Van Gaal may decide to welcome him back into the fold.
Elsewhere, Michael Carrick is a major doubt for the match having been forced to withdraw from international duty due to a calf injury this week, which means that Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will continue in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, Michael Carrick is a major doubt for the match having been forced to withdraw from international duty due to a calf injury this week, which means that Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will continue in the middle of the park.
New boy Martial is expected to be involved, but may have to settle for a place on the bench as Van Gaal keeps faith with Rooney - who has five goals in 22 games against Liverpool - up front. Phil Jones could also return from the mild thrombosis which has kept him out so far this season, while Marcos Rojo is available again.
Liverpool have a number of notable absentees themselves, including the suspended Coutinho. Captain Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana will both undergo late fitness tests, although the chances of either starting are thought to be relatively slim.
Liverpool have a number of notable absentees themselves, including the suspended Coutinho. Captain Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana will both undergo late fitness tests, although the chances of either starting are thought to be relatively slim.
Joe Allen is another pushing to be fit in time for the match, but Daniel Sturridge's comeback will have to wait for at least another week. Benteke, who has scored in his last two appearances against United, will lead the line despite an injury scare on international duty with Belgium.
Man Utd possible starting lineup:
De Gea
Darmian
Smalling
Blind
Shaw
Schneiderlin
Schweinsteiger
Mata
Herrera
Depay
Rooney
Darmian
Smalling
Blind
Shaw
Schneiderlin
Schweinsteiger
Mata
Herrera
Depay
Rooney
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mignolet
Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez
Can
Lucas
Milner
Ibe
Benteke
Firmino
Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez
Can
Lucas
Milner
Ibe
Benteke
Firmino
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