Anfield was the location of Erik ten Hag’s lowest ebb as Manchester United manager and he returns with roles reversed between the two clubs. The visitors went into the match on 5 March with one defeat in 11 and having won the Carabao Cup, their first major silverware since 2017, the previous weekend but seven goals later United’s fragility was laid bare, an ailment yet to be addressed nine months on.
It was a reminder of what Liverpool were capable of. They had finished the previous season 34 points ahead of United, who overturned that to finish eight points and two positions above Liverpool in May. It looked as if United were on the up and their rivals down, although few are now surprised by the situation the two find themselves in before Sunday’s game.
