Liverpool v Man Utd: Key Stats and Storylines Ahead of the Anfield ClashAs Liverpool prepare to welcome Manchester United back to Anfield, the fixture remains one of English football’s defining riva...
Liverpool v Man Utd: Key Stats and Storylines Ahead of the Anfield Clash
As Liverpool prepare to welcome Manchester United back to Anfield, the fixture remains one of English football’s defining rivalries. Beyond the intensity, however, the numbers tell a fascinating story — one that highlights Liverpool’s dominance in recent years and the challenges facing their old foes.
Historical dominance and home resilience
Liverpool have lost only one of their last 14 Premier League meetings with Man Utd, winning seven and drawing six in that time. It’s a record that underlines their control over the fixture in the modern era. Since the start of the 2018–19 season, no side has been beaten fewer times by United when facing them at least three times in the league.
Anfield has been a fortress once again under Arne Slot. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League games at home — 16 wins and four draws — and could claim victory in their first four home matches of a campaign for the sixth time in club history. The last time this occurred was during the 2023–24 season, a year that nearly brought another title challenge to fruition.
Salah’s record-breaking influence
When it comes to this fixture, Mohamed Salah’s impact is unrivalled. The Egyptian has scored 13 goals against Man Utd — the most by any player in Premier League history — and has been involved in 19 overall, with six assists added to his tally. Only five players in league history have recorded 20 or more goal involvements against a single opponent, putting Salah within touching distance of elite company such as Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.
Salah’s ability to perform in high-pressure encounters has often defined Liverpool’s biggest nights, and his track record against United is a reflection of that. It’s not just his finishing, but his knack for finding crucial moments that separate him from the rest.
Tactical edges and late drama
Liverpool’s season has already been marked by drama, with four matches featuring goals after the 90th minute — two in their favour, two against. Only in 2008–09 did they experience more late winners in a single Premier League campaign. Slot’s side, known for their attacking transitions and high-pressing structure, often leave themselves open to such moments, for better or worse.
Since their narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest in September 2024, Liverpool have developed a strong record following international breaks. They’ve won each of their last four league games that followed one, a sign of preparation and consistency in Slot’s regime. Meanwhile, United have failed to win any of their last eight away league games, losing six of those since their 3–0 victory at Leicester City in March.
United’s struggle for momentum
Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford was expected to stabilise the team, but his side’s form on the road remains a concern. United are winless in their last nine league visits to Anfield, drawing five and losing four. Avoiding defeat this weekend is essential to stop that run from reaching double figures — something they’ve never endured before in league history.
Amorim will look for attacking spark from Amad Diallo, who scored at Anfield last season. Should he find the net again, he would join a small list of United players to score in consecutive Premier League appearances at Anfield, alongside Andrew Cole, Carlos Tevez and Javier Hernandez.
Despite their inconsistencies, United’s manager has achieved notable feats before. Having beaten Manchester City away last season, Amorim could become only the third manager in Premier League history to win both of his first two away games against reigning champions — following in the footsteps of Antonio Conte and Manuel Pellegrini.
Final word
This weekend’s clash promises to be more than a renewal of old hostilities — it’s a test of structure, resilience and momentum. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to extend a period of dominance; for United, it’s a fight to restore credibility on one of the game’s biggest stages.
Category: General Sports