Manchester United fans have questioned how many times they will be defeated at Anfield this decade. In January 2020, they lost by just two goals, but by April 2022, that number had doubled. United surprisingly met expectations last season by drawing with Liverpool without any goals. Although they played well for a half at Anfield under Erik ten Hag, they suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat, marking the start of a steady decline under his management. United has not won in nine matches at Liverpool and last claimed victory on the red side of Stanley Park in January 2016. United, currently on a four-game losing streak and having lost five of their last six Premier League matches, would least prefer to face Liverpool away, having recorded nine games with four draws, five losses, one goal scored, and 18 conceded. The bus ride to Anfield on Sunday afternoon might seem like heading to certain doom. As Ben Affleck’s character states in Argo, there are only unfavorable choices available. Ruben Amorim needs to come up with the most effective bad idea to achieve a result. Here’s a hint: the Argo operation succeeded. Two in and two out. Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are guaranteed to start after serving their one-match suspensions, which is fortunate since Christian Eriksen and Casemiro struggle against Newcastle, let alone Liverpool. Many anticipated that Newcastle would win on Monday night. As soon as the teamsheets were released, it was clear that they would emerge victorious. Eriksen and Casemiro brought immediate benefits in Ten Hag’s initial season, but that partnership has rarely benefited United since then. Is it time for Mainoo mania?
