Liverpool vs Manchester United Outlook

What we learned from the epl el clasico.

Van Gaal was able to survive  

He has been under pressure from most man united fans and the English media but from the start of January he has been given a lifeline. Guess the player who has come up to his rescue? 

                                 All of Rooney's goals against Liverpool

None other than the much maligned Wayne Rooney. When Manchester United were going through that rough patch, from November to the whole of December, the player who had the most wrath from fans was Rooney.

His form had nose dived and he looked a pale shadow of his former self. Then suddenly he has burst back to form. Four goals in as many games has been impressive. There is a smile back on his face and also on Van Gaal’s.

The win against Liverpool does not mean they played good football. In fact they had only two shots on target and the first shot resulted  in the goal. 

                   highlights of Rooney against Liverpool

The most impressive thing about the performance was the ability of the team to control possession and limit Liverpool attacking threat.

Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp have been very fast from the blocks as they did against Arsenal a week ago. In that game they scored early but poor defending let them down.

Liverpool a work in progress

The most successful British team in the Champions League has been so disappointing for the past few seasons. They last won the English league in 1990, that's almost 26 years ago. Their last champions league triumph was that memorable night in Istanbul in 2005. From that time they have promised but ended up deceiving us. They ran Man United close for the league title in 2009 but failed to win it. In 2013 led by Luis Suarez they seemed unstoppable only for Gerrard to fall during that crucial loss against Chelsea therefore handing the title to Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp seems to be getting his team working together and from their last two performance, against Man United and Arsenal, they are a work in progress.

They are good at attacking, with Roberto Firmino standing out. If they had Philipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge then they could have got better results in those two games.

The two teams I do not expect them to challenge for the title this time but next season they could be unstoppable. The only question is whether Van Gaal will survive upto 2017..

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Liverpool vs Manchester United

The biggest game on the English calendar although some fans will disagree considering the fortunes of the two teams.

Manchester United have gone two seasons trophyless after the retirement of their coaching wizard Sir Alex Ferguson while Liverpool after the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona have become more of a mid table side.

Today's game lacks the significance of yester years. The times Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane Cristiano Ronaldo seams along time ago.

Jurgen Klopp is introducing his style of play at Anfield. So far it's been entertaining except for the results which have been mixed. They attacked well against Arsenal in midweek but their defending let them down.

I expect them to continue with the same mode of play against United. For United they have been strong in defence but weak in attack. They seemed to have changed their mode of play on Tuesday against Newcastle but their defence crumpled.

Van Gaal must find a balance between attack and defence but for now with most first team Midfielders injured he will have to be cautious.

Maroune Fellaini was visible early against Newcastle but then faded. He didn't help in tracking back the Newcastle players which ended up costing United a victory they deserved.

Expect the game to be cagey with few openings as United will try to control possession waiting for any openings. Liverpool on their part will be pressing high up the pitch the Klopp’s way.

A draw may be a good result for both teams but this is a derby and fans will be wanting blood. 

LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED highlights

Is fireworks still in this game? Dubbed the El Classico of English football the clash has lost a lot of its significance in recent seasons but not to the fans of the teams.

The above video one of the classic moments between the two teams in 2009. Liverpool were unplayable in this game hammering Man United 4-1 at Old Trafford.
What about this one in 2008 with Javier Mascherano receiving his marching orders

Liverpool had there on moments in Moyes Error walloping United home and away

A young man came from Monaco and what way to make his debut this season. Take a bow Anthony Martial

While the teams no longer fight for the title this game still remains important to the fans. Voices will rise with emotions for perceived injustices, songs will be sang and alcohol will be drunk. Who will take the bragging rights between the two most succesful teams n English Football? Sit and enjoy.