Why Man United would be desperate for a victory against Liverpool

Come Sunday the September 23rd, arguably the biggest rivalry in English football will again be reignited as Anfield becomes the battlefield for the Liverpool vs Manchester United clash. The shocking findings of the Hillsborough tragedy and the subsequent support shown by United can make this encounter one of the most emotional and charged we have seen in recent past but one thing is for sure, it is going to be one hell of a cracker.

The two men in the hotseat would be desperate for victory against each other’s sides.

Firstly it would be good to look at the previous results of both the teams coming into the match:

1. Manchester United-

2012/13 PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Date	Status	Home	Score	Away	Attendance	Competition
Aug 20	FT	Everton	1-0	Manchester United	38,415	Premier League
Aug 25	FT	Manchester United	3-2	Fulham	75,352	Premier League
Sep 2	FT	Southampton	2-3	Manchester United	31,609	Premier League
Sep 15	FT	Manchester United	4-0	Wigan Athletic	75,142	Premier League

2. Liverpool-

Date	Status	Home	Score	Away	Attendance	Competition
Aug 18	FT	West Bromwich Albion	3-0	Liverpool	26,039	Premier League
Aug 26	FT	Liverpool	2-2	Manchester City	44,942	Premier League
Sep 2	FT	Liverpool	0-2	Arsenal	44,932	Premier League
Sep 15	FT	Sunderland	1-1	Liverpool	41,997	Premier League

Clearly by looking at the previous fixtures, it is safe to say that United’s first real test of their contention for the Premier League title will be at Anfield, but still 3 wins out of starting 4 means they are the team that are in form coming into the game. On the other hand Liverpool have had a much tougher opening fixtures and they were largely outplayed in their losses so one can say that their morale might be low. But it is evident from past seasons that United have a miserable record at Anfield and the happenings of the past week make it a certainty that Liverpool will come hard at United. It is a game without any favourites so why do United need to win the match at any cost?

Well the answer is yes and there are quite a few reasons . The biggest of all is that United have a tough set of fixtures to follow and it is important to get the winning momentum going and get as many points as possible from these. Moreover it is evident that they are struggling away from home and their second visit to Merseyside requires them to get a victory to boost up the team morale. Sir Alex is desperate to win back the Premier League title and a victory over Liverpool would be the best possible way to set the tone for the rest of the season.

Last season United faltered at Liverpool and then suddenly it all went wrong for United and this time they would want to make a better statement of intent. It is important to send a message to City, Chelsea and even to Arsenal that United are ready to rule once again, and who better than Liverpool to use as the messenger?