Five ways Manchester United can beat Liverpool

We have THE derby coming up on Sunday. Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield. It’s a derby which has history, passion, and most importantly, three points on offer, making it an intriguing contest. I am an ardent Manchester United fan, and I want nothing more than a win for the Red Devils at Anfield on Sunday evening. Here are five ways in which I believe we can have that:

1. BE BOLD: We haven’t won at Anfield since the 2007-08 season, which is simply unacceptable. Liverpool are beatable on their home patch (look at Arsenal. They have been winning at Anfield ever so often in the last few seasons). I have got the feeling that we have been deferential to them at Anfield a lot more than is deserved, especially last year, when we were favourites to win the game but did not show the same intent through our tactics. What I want is a bold line up which sends out a strong, definitive signal to all: We are here to WIN. We will take you on your home ground, and we have the utmost belief that we WILL defeat you.

2. THE LINEUP: I want this lineup: De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Buttner, Carrick, Cleverley, Young, Valencia, Kagawa, Van Persie. This line-up is explosive in attack, good in defence and has a lively midfield. Antonio Valencia and AshleyYoung provide us quality supply down the flanks and Kagawa gives the quality in the final third which was sorely lacking last season. Van Persie is no stranger to scoring winners at Anfield, so I don’t need to go there! As for the defending, the back four looks solid. Buttner for Patrice Evra you say?? Lemme tackle that. The Frenchman is out of touch, while opposite number Raheem Sterling is in hot form. There is the racism row still hanging over both Luis Suarez and Evra’s head. Taking Evra out of the line of fire will ensure that Buttner, who played well against Wigan, will come up against Sterling. Buttner is a good defender, and will have Young backing him up as and when needed. Problem solved. As for the centre of midfield, Carrick and Cleverley are good enough for Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Jonjo Shelvey. Borini can be easily kept quiet by Rafael, and even if Borini and Sterling shift flanks, then I still have no worries.

3. POSSESSION: Brendan Rodgers’ sides like to keep the ball. Our missive is to deny them possession as much as possible. The longer they go without the ball at their feet, more will be the restlessness that’ll induce mistakes from the home side.

4. TAKE CHANCES: I am sure that we will get chances to score against this Liverpool side. They aren’t very secure at the back currently, and can be opened up (again, refer to Arsenal’s 2-0 win). We have a very strong attacking arsenal. Let’s use it to the best of our abilities so that every time a Kagawa or a Valencia bears down on goal, Pepe Reina prays to the gods that he not concede! We have a lethal striker in Van Persie. Carrick’s Song-esque delivery may be a potent weapon for us if the middle of the park gets too crowded. The wings will be very important and so Young and Valencia must be at their best.

5. DEFEND VERY WELL: Let’s be honest here. Who are the biggest threats to us? Suarez, Sterling and Gerrard. That’s it. I am confident of United’s ability to hold off the threat posed by this trio. We will be dealing with far more dangerous attacks in the latter stages of the Champions League and against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. We have our best defenders back, and I am sure that we can come away with a clean sheet.

In conclusion, I hope for a great game between these two sides with a long standing rivalry. But my only wish is a Manchester United win. It’s long overdue.