Manchester United have been given a huge lift as they prepare for their heavyweight encounter against fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United’s prized asset David De Gea has produced a dramatic U-turn after the Spanish stopper penned a new four-year deal with the Red Devils.
Seventh placed Liverpool and United will be eager to get back to winning ways after suffering defeats to West Ham United and Swansea City in their last Premier League encounters, with visiting manager Brendan Rodgers well aware that a win against their fiercest rivals will breed confidence into his side.
Rodgers said: “This is the biggest derby game in the history of the league.
“Winning a game like this can give you a psychological boost.
“United is a huge club and will always be under scrutiny. The intensity of this fixture is still there. The players will feel it.”
The world’s most expensive teenager Anthony Martial is expected to be involved at some stage but may have to wait to make his first Premier League start under Louis van Gaal.
Wayne Rooney will be eager to cap off a memorable week by ending his much deliberated goal drought in the Barclays Premier League.
The United captain is currently on a barren spell which has amassed to ten domestic games.
The England captain said: “There’s no better game to go into than Liverpool at home after losing our last game (2-1 at Swansea City).
“It is a game we have to win and it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
With both Rodgers and Van Gaal undertaking a possession based philosophy, Saturday’s clash has the makings of an intriguing affair.
Currently fifth, United will head into the game feeling confident after completing the double over Rodgers’s side last season and with Liverpool missing the suspended Philippe Coutinho.
However with both teams looking far from convincing this eagerly anticipated clash could well turn into a dare not lose game.
Image courtesy of Jonny Blair via YouTube, with thanks.
