3 reasons why Manchester United will beat Liverpool at Old Trafford

Manchester United will be full of confidence when they host rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Four months ago, it was almost impossible to imagine that a Manchester United side could have any chance of defeating Liverpool. I mean, there was a gulf in class between the two sides. One was riding high in the top end of the league, while the other was a wounded lion on the verge of collapse.

Fast forward to today and United is a team on a mission. First is to right the wrongs of the first half of the season. Two, to return the fear factor only associated with the Red Devils. So how have they done this? By silencing critics and putting most of the teams through the sword. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all fallen to United in their backyard. At this point, United look to be on the front foot to add yet another top-four side to their victory list.

#3 Fans

The fans play a crucial role in any team. Of all Premier League stadiums, Old Trafford has recorded the highest average attendance this season of about 74,000. The supporters have been with the team through thick and thin. It was even surprising to see fans cheer and motivate the players after a spirited 3-0 home loss to Spurs during Jose Mourinho's tenure in 2018.

They will be the 12th man that can inspire hope and belief to the players, whenever things get tough. We have seen the fans rally the players from losing positions. Case and point is the 2-2 draw against Burnley when United were in danger of losing their first match under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The United supporters were also instrumental when the team fought back from two goals down to beat surprise package Newcastle 3-2 at the Theatre of Dreams. Liverpool will definitely be in hostile territory and the fans won't make it easier for them.

#2 Tactics

Pogba and Herrera form part of United's midfield three.

It all boils down to tactics on match day. Solskjaer has shown great maturity and understanding of how he sets his team up for different matches. United's tactics on the day will give them an edge over Liverpool. The Reds are favorites and that could work against them. United have generally lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Solskjaer.

Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic have been performed in midfield to devastating effect on the opposition. It is the rotation of the front three that has unsettled teams. Sometimes Marcus Rashford starts as the central striker but drifts to the left to allow Jesse Lingard a chance to play as a false nine. So long as United maintain discipline defensively then Liverpool will be in trouble.

#1 Solskjaer-Effect

Solskjaer has changed the players' mentality to a winning one.

The Solskjaer-Effect is still in full swing. The Red Devils' players and supporters are still basking in the glory of their new caretaker manager. Initially, people and pundits alike thought United's first wave of victories was against smaller teams. Having been tested severally, United have silenced doubters all thanks to Ole Gunnar.

He has instilled discipline, hard work, dedication and grit among his players. As a former Manchester United player himself, he understands the culture and philosophy of the club. This is something that time and again passes on to his players. That is why United went into three hostile grounds against top-six opposition and emerged victoriously. This is a new and much improved United side that Liverpool will be wary of.