Manchester United and Liverpool have had many great battles over the years, but this Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford takes on a new dimension.
In one corner is Erik ten Hag, United’s manager since 2022. On the other side is newcomer Arend Martijn ‘Arne’ Slot, who joined Liverpool in June.
The duo faced each other four times in the Dutch league when ten Hag was Ajax’s manager, and Slot was in charge of AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord.
The score is two wins each, although, in a pre-season game in the United States, Liverpool won 3-0.
Ten Hag is already under pressure after losing to Brighton last week. Slot has won the first two games but is seeking to win over Liverpool fans, who were heartbroken when Jurgen Klopp left in May.
Experienced coach Steve Darby said the jury will be out on Slot until he wins something.
“Ultimately, every coach is judged on one thing – results. You can forget the buzzword ‘project’ or ‘philosophy’. If you win, the style suddenly becomes attractive,” said Darby, the former Johor, Perak and Kelantan coach.
“Slot’s season will come down to results versus Manchester City and Arsenal. And against rivals like Manchester United and possibly Everton.”
Darby sees City and Arsenal – the top two teams from last season – as the favourites for the Premier League title this year. United has strengthened significantly. Everton appears weaker but always rises to the occasion against its neighbour.
Liverpool has made two late signings in the past week – one is Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29 million – but he will remain with the Spanish club for another season.
The other is Italian forward Federico Chiesa, who signed for £12.5 million – £10 million plus £2.5 million add-ons based on team performance.
A hero of Italy’s Euro 2020 title-winning team, Chiesa has suffered injuries in the past two years, including a cruciate ligament injury in January 2022 that saw him miss nearly a year of football. But he managed 33 games for Juventus last season.
Chiesa is seen as a back-up to Mohamed Salah on Liverpool’s right but has played on the left and centrally, in his career.
“He is a good player, but recoveries from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are risky. He is likely to be Salah’s cover,” said Darby, who also coached in Thailand, India, Vietnam and Australia.
“If Salah does leave next season, Chiesa will be a ready-made replacement – if he shines. It is excellent business by Liverpool.”
The other game of the week is the early kickoff between Arsenal and Brighton. Both teams won their opening two matches.
The Seagulls are second in the standing, just behind City on goal difference, with the Gunners third.
Liverpool is the only other team with maximum points after two matches.
Arsenal has yet to sign a striker, but Mikel Arteta is confident his players’ “efficiency in front of goal” will help the team challenge for the title.
Brighton will be without new midfield signing Matt O’Riley, who suffered an ankle injury just nine minutes into his debut against Crawley Town in the League Cup in midweek.
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Arsenal vs Brighton (7.30pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves (10pm)
Leicester vs Aston Villa (10pm)
Ipswich vs Fulham (10pm)
Brentford vs Southampton (10pm)
Everton vs Bournemouth (10pm)
SUNDAY
West Ham vs Manchester City (12.30am)
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (8.30pm)
Newcastle vs Tottenham (8.30pm)
Manchester United vs Liverpool (11.30pm)
