By Lewis Steele and Chris Wheeler for The Mail on Sunday
22:31 16 Dec 2023, updated 00:35 17 Dec 2023
- Virgil van Dijk is imperious while Mo Salah has fired Liverpool top of the table
- Mainoo gives United hope but Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana are struggling
- Manchester United fans must be DREADING Anfield trip – It’s All Kicking Off
Manchester United are travelling to a den of thunder and lightning in the form of Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool have won all 11 assignments in front of the Kop this season and are perched atop the Premier League table.
They’ve managed that thanks to the stellar form of certain individuals, such as Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mo Salah.
It’s not the same story for their Mancunian rivals, who have seethed their way through a rollercoaster season.
Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana score lowly in Mail Sport’s form guide, but there is hope in their homegrown midfield talent.
Below, Lewis Steele and Chris Wheeler give the lowdown on each player’s form ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Liverpool form guide (by Lewis Steele)
Alisson Becker – 8
At fault for Manchester City’s goal in last month’s 1-1 draw but the Brazilian goalkeeper showed his importance to this team with a last-minute save at point-blank range to earn Liverpool a win at Crystal Palace last week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Part-time right-back, full-time heartbeat of this team. Whether from wide or tucking into central areas, the vice-captain has been Liverpool’s star man in recent weeks.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.5
Found himself out of the best XI for much of this term due to Joel Matip’s form but the former Cameroon international is now out for the season. Says a lot that he starts for France in a large field of solid defensive options.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.5
Some wondered if he would ever rediscover his best after a long-term knee injury. But Van Dijk has been imperious this season and is relishing his captaincy.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7.5
Andy Robertson’s dislocated shoulder was a reason for panic, especially after a couple of sub-par performances from Tsimikas. But the Greek has barely put a foot wrong since.
Wataru Endo – 6
Rarely loses possession but the Japan captain has not had enough minutes in the Premier League to properly judge yet. Sunday is a big one for ‘Wata’.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5
Was Liverpool’s — and perhaps the Premier League’s — best midfielder in the early weeks of the season. Has slowed down slightly but still has a wand of a right foot and his work-rate is crucial.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.5
Another summer signing in midfield, Gravenberch says he styles his game on Zinedine Zidane and the Dutchman glides around the pitch in an easy-on-the-eye style. Can be a goal threat, too.
Mo Salah – 8
Still the star man, with 200 Liverpool goals. Also stepping up in a creative sense this season and is enjoying his partnership with Darwin Nunez. Does not drift into central areas as much as he once did, with Alexander-Arnold now tucking into the middle and Salah keeping the width.
Darwin Nunez – 6
A hit-and-miss season for Nunez. Looked like a force to be reckoned with in the early weeks but has scored just once in the league since September. All will be forgiven if he puts in a performance against United, though.
Luis Diaz – 6.5
When his father was kidnapped it perhaps hampered a fine run of form for the Colombian as he lost his starting place to now-injured Diogo Jota, but his quick feet, crossing and pace always offer Liverpool an outlet.
TOTAL: 77
Manchester United form guide (by Chris Wheeler)
Andre Onana – 4.5
The Cameroonian may be decent with the ball at his feet, but he’s picked it out of his net 39 times in 24 games during a rocky start at United. Big test for him on Sunday.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Erik ten Hag missed his defensive capabilities while the right-back was out for 10 games with a hamstring injury, and they will certainly be in great demand at Anfield.
Raphael Varane – 6.5
Started for the first time in seven weeks against Bayern Munich following a fall-out with Ten Hag and will stay in after Harry Maguire was injured. United need a player of his class and experience.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Assuming the Swede is fit to return after a two-match absence, he is likely to get the nod ahead of Jonny Evans. Ten Hag needs Lindelof’s cool head and knowhow in the Anfield cauldron.
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Expected to play despite a hamstring problem against Bayern. Shaw was sorely missed during three months out with a thigh muscle injury and has impressed since his return. Could also switch to left centre-back if Ten Hag plays Diogo Dalot at left-back.
Marcus Rashford – 4
Last season’s 30-goal top scorer has been United’s biggest letdown this term. Ten Hag needs a performance from Rashford — and fast — if the out-of-sorts forward is available after illness.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
One of the positives to emerge from a wretched season, even though he has missed most of it through injury. Teenager made a fantastic Premier League debut at Goodison Park and wouldn’t be fazed by playing at Anfield.
Scott McTominay – 7
The fact that McTominay is the top scorer with six goals is a credit to him for reviving his Old Trafford career and an indictment of United’s toothless attack. He has come to Ten Hag’s rescue on several occasions already and may need to again.
Sofyan Amrabat – 5
Happier in the centre of midfield than he was as a makeshift left-back, but you wonder if he is technically good enough for the Premier League. Lacks Casemiro’s class.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Looking sharper after a sluggish start to the season. Scored November’s goal of the month with that spectacular overhead kick against Everton and United are likely to need another moment of magic on their return to Merseyside.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
There’s a lot of sympathy for Hojlund as he tries to make his mark in a struggling team with poor service. But he’s still a £72million striker who has yet to score in the Premier League. The Dane needs to turn a corner. Could this be his moment?
TOTAL: 63.5
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
