“If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best”.
This is an announcement which confirms that this "derby of England" has regained its splendor at the start of 2021. In an interview with
Sky Sports
, Paul Pogba displays the ambitions of a Manchester United team to whom everything succeeded since his disillusionment in the Champions League and this diversion to the Europa League.
And this before facing Liverpool in their Anfield lair this Sunday (5.30 p.m.), on the 19th day.
A shock that the Red Devils, unbeaten in their last eleven league games, tackle in the leading position in the standings, with three points better than the reigning champions of England.
If this summit historically smells of powder, this edition finally seems to find its flavor of yesteryear.
It has been twelve years since Liverpool and Manchester United have faced each other at the top of the Premier League table.
A 2008-09 season which ended with the coronation of MU despite a defeat at home against the Reds of Rafa Benitez in March (1-4).
What to give ideas to the men of Solskjear?
Liverpool are struggling to find their class
Jürgen Klopp's men have been struggling for a few weeks in the Premier League.
The consequence of an avalanche of injuries and a paler game than in the last two seasons.
The great Liverpool, winner of the Champions League in 2019 and champion of England in 2020, is no more.
"We could not wish for a better time to go," said Ole Gunnar Solskjear after the victory against Burnley (1-0) last Tuesday.
Mohamed Salah's teammates nevertheless remain intractable at home, they who are undefeated at Anfield since April 23, 2017.
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✊ # LIVMUNpic.twitter.com / PcFgmvfm14
- Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 16, 2021
If they have had to face many absences in the defensive sector, including that of the captain of the last row Virgil van Dijk, the Reds can always count on their offensive performance.
With 37 achievements in 17 days, Sadio Mané and others represent the most effective attack in the Kingdom.
Manchester has the second best with 34 goals.
Statistics that promise a spectacle this Sunday!
A real test for Manchester United
Unable to win in their last five meetings against Liverpool, Ole Gunnar Solskjear's men will in any case pass a real test.
Because if the Red Devils have managed to follow up recently by winning against Burnley, Watford, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton, they are struggling to be conquerors against the cadors.
Thus, they conceded draws against Leicester, Manchester City and Chelsea and lost largely to Tottenham in the first part of the season.
A more than mixed assessment vis-a-vis the “big fish”, especially when one knows the scenarios (sometimes favorable) of some of these meetings.
By bringing points for Liverpool, Bruno Fernandes' teammates would strike a blow by consolidating their first place and relegating their opponents to six points.
@PaulPogba knows what we have to do. # MUFC # LIVMUNpic.twitter.com / SBT6pkVVLS
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 16, 2021
However, the Mancuniens refuse to take on the role of favorites before this meeting at the top.
“We are the hunters behind the champions,” Solskjaer recalled.
As if the leader's costume was still too heavy to wear.
In case of victory at Liverpool, the Red Devils could no longer hide.
Read also
Premier League standings