Premier League: Manchester United faces biggest title test against Liverpool

Last season it was Liverpool who chased four trophies. Manchester United manager Erik van Hag has a chance to win four titles this year.
One of English football's greatest rivalries kicks off at Anfield on Sunday.

Last season it was Liverpool who chased four trophies. Manchester United manager Erik van Hag has a chance to win four titles this year.

United could become a serious title challenger if they can compete in the Premier League's toughest test yet.

With leading pair Arsenal and Manchester City playing away this season, the trip to Anfield represents the last major test of United's confidence after Liverpool's struggle for consistency.

Liverpool, who have beaten City and Italian league leaders Napoli this season, could threaten Ten Hag's ambitions. The Merseyside club will relish the chance to break United's dominance and push for a Champions League qualification spot.

United's transformation under the Dutch manager is impressive, but they haven't won against a main rival at Old Trafford. That makes the trip to Anfield even more informative about the progress of the 20-time league champions.

Last month's 2-2 draw at Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs was testament to the confidence and ability of a team that has failed to keep up with City and Liverpool in recent years. Although United won the second leg 2-1 to progress to the last 16, they will be looking for this important win at the home of the leading club this season.

Ten Hag lost 6-3 in the first Manchester derby in October. United lost 3-2 at Arsenal in January, missing the chance to put real pressure on the leaders. It took Casemiro's injury break to start the season in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea earlier in the season.

United's all-round improvement is undeniable, with Wednesday's 3-1 FA Cup win over West Ham the latest example of the team's resilience.

"We have shown that we have the character to face difficult situations. The team can continue with energy," he said. "They believe they can win the game and they have done it again and I'm happy with that. This team does not panic and can change the dynamics of the game."

That quality will be tested by a Liverpool side that has dominated this game in recent years, winning 5-0 and 4-0 last season.

United's 2-1 win in August was Liverpool's first league win since 2018.

If United can take the three points, the end of the season will look more relaxed, with Arsenal and City having to play again and both facing Liverpool.

Arsenal's 4-0 win over Everton on Wednesday opened an 11-point gap on third-placed United, who have a game in hand.

The only surprises for United were at Newcastle and Tottenham, but nothing compared to the tension on the trip to Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, even for one season, has his own ambitions beyond breaking ranks. Liverpool moved six points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham after a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

The 2020 champions have shown signs of rediscovering their form in recent weeks with morale-boosting wins over Everton and Newcastle. The last match against Wolverhampton gave hope that Klopp could at least salvage the season to qualify for the Champions League.

The German coach described it as "the best way" to train at United.

"I think United are the team in form at the moment, maybe with Arsenal - and City are playing well," Klopp said, adding that the home crowd could be a factor. "I thought Anfield proved another point tonight. It was great, so much fun. It felt like the right combination. We are all together - I like it. We need it again this Sunday."

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