Dutch masters duel: Ten Hag and Slot renew rivalry at Old Trafford

Old Trafford is set to be the stage for an exhilarating Premier League encounter on Sunday, as Manchester United host Liverpool in a highly anticipated clash.

This fixture, steeped in historical rivalry, will see former Eredivisie managers Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot renew their competitive acquaintance in England's top flight. Their previous encounters in the Dutch league were closely contested, with both managers securing two victories each. The upcoming match offers a fresh chapter in their storied careers, with both aiming to assert their dominance in this iconic fixture.

Both teams have had contrasting starts to the season. Manchester United began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford but stumbled in their subsequent match, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion. On the other hand, Liverpool have enjoyed a perfect start under Slot, securing back-to-back 2-0 wins against Ipswich Town and Brentford, showcasing their strength in both attack and defence.

Manchester United have been busy in the transfer market, with significant additions aimed at bolstering their squad. The Red Devils have brought in several new faces, including Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui. These signings are seen as part of Ten Hag's strategy to address the team's shortcomings and build a squad capable of challenging for top honours. However, injuries to key players like Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Hojlund have tested United's depth early in the season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, had a quieter transfer window. The Reds made headlines with their acquisition of Federico Chiesa from Juventus for a bargain £10 million. Despite the excitement surrounding Chiesa, his recent lack of match fitness and well-documented injuries may prevent him from featuring at Old Trafford.

Liverpool's decision not to sign a dedicated defensive midfielder has raised some eyebrows. While Wataru Endo has provided some cover, Slot's preference to deploy Ryan Gravenberch in a holding role could be a gamble that comes under scrutiny, particularly against a United side that may exploit this potential weakness.

Liverpool's recent form against Manchester United has been impressive, with the Reds winning five of their last nine Premier League encounters.

The most memorable of these was the 7-0 thrashing at Anfield in March 2023. However, they struggled against Manchester United last season. Liverpool could not secure a win against United in their league encounters, with a 0-0 draw at Anfield followed by a 4-3 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, and a 2-2 draw at the same venue in the Premier League.

Some might argue that Liverpool's failure to overcome United in these pivotal encounters was a turning point in their season. A resurgent Jurgen Klopp side, once battling on all four fronts, lost momentum as the campaign wore on, particularly after the FA Cup defeat to United. This sequence of setbacks in Klopp's final season amplifies the significance of this weekend's clash.

The clash at Old Trafford will also be marked by individual battles on the pitch. Mohamed Salah, who has consistently tormented United in recent seasons, will look to extend his remarkable record at the Theatre of Dreams, having scored in each of his last six appearances there. On the other hand, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, with seven goals against Liverpool, will be a key figure for the home side as they aim to turn the tide in their favour.

As Ten Hag and Slot face off once more, the tactical battle will be intriguing. Ten Hag has a track record of success in the Eredivisie and has guided United through a challenging start to the Premier League season. Slot, having enjoyed a strong beginning with Liverpool, will need to demonstrate his ability to handle the pressures of the English top flight, especially in such a high-profile match.