Jose Mourinho has compared his current Manchester United side with the one of 12 months ago to chalk and cheese ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Anfield.
United are six points better off than at this stage last season, when they played Liverpool away in their eighth match.
Opponents Liverpool are six points worse off having won just two out of their last eight games in all competitions.
“We’re in a better position in the table, I think we are playing better, you are more confident because when you have better results, you have more confidence to play than if not,” Mourinho told a news conference.
“It’s a very difficult match for us, and I think it’s a very difficult match for them [Liverpool].”
In the corresponding fixture this time last year, the two sides played out a goalless draw and Mourinho was criticised for the defensive structure of his team.
Anfield will be a cauldron of noise when the two teams take to the pitch tomorrow, but Mourinho insists his side are ready for the atmosphere and have prepared for the game like any other.
“It [the atmosphere] motivates us, it’s something that we want, it’s something that if we could have in every match we would have.
“I understand the tradition, the emotions around with supporters, but I look at it in a professional way, to tell my players from the start of the season that every match is important.
“Every point is important, there’s no easy match, there no matches that you prepare for more carefully than others.”
There is mixed news for Mourinho on the injury front. Captain Michael Carrick joins fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini on the sidelines, but the league’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku is ready to play.
Ander Herrera looks set to partner Nemanja Matic in central midfield, with a place on the left-wing up for grabs between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Matteo Darmian could also come in at left-back to cope with the threat of the in-form Mo Salah.
United have the opportunity to go ten points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League table, and could go top – albeit temporarily before Manchester City face Stoke City at home later in the day.
Image courtesy of Manchester is Red via YouTube, with thanks.
