Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a headline-grabbing fixture against Manchester United that could put Jürgen Klopp's men back on top of the Premier League.

The Reds trail leaders Manchester City - who play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final this weekend - on goal difference, but a positive result in this game in hand would move them above Pep Guardiola's side with 11 matches still to play this season.

Liverpool beat United 3-1 at Anfield in the reverse fixture in December, but much has changed at their arch-rivals since then.

Jose Mourinho left the club two days after that match and his successor, caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has revitalised the team.

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The former United striker, who won six league titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson, has overseen eight victories during a nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League that has propelled the Red Devils into the top four.

The Norwegian's only defeat thus far came at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, but his side bounced back with a 2-0 win at Chelsea last time out to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

So, what can we expect from Solskjaer's charges on Sunday?

We spoke with ESPN general editor and United fan Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) to get the inside track...

What has Solskjaer done to transform Manchester United?

It's easy to say, but as so many have proven, putting smiles on faces and creating an atmosphere in a group is conducive to good team performances.

Solskjaer is more than that, though - he's been there five minutes and United already have a first-choice XI and a distinct style of play. 

It's not just on the field either. Solskjaer says the right things off the pitch and talks how a Manchester United manager should.

Paul Pogba is now the star of the show, how important is he to the set-up?

I genuinely believe he is the most important player in the league. By that I mean if you took out another team's key player, they'd be stung, of course, but not to the extent United are without Pogba.

He's enjoying the best scoring form of his career and if he plays well, so do United. 

Liverpool would be harmed if Virgil van Dijk missed a game (we saw this to an extent against Bayern) but United rely on Pogba to such an extent that it's hard to see them winning without him.

Which player has been the unsung hero of the Solskjaer revolution?

With regards to players, it's an easy one really: Victor Lindelof, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic. But I am going to be awkward and flip the answer and say first-team coach Mike Phelan. 

A key cog in Sir Alex Ferguson's past teams, Phelan has returned and his acumen on the training pitch as well as his man management skills off it has been crucial in United's resurgence. It's just a shame we haven't seen him wear his shorts nearly enough.

How have fans' expectations for the season changed?

Fans expect United to entertain, first and foremost.

Now, there's an expectation to win and win well. A cup run (you could say that has already been achieved after FA Cup wins at Arsenal and Chelsea) and a top-four finish would salvage what looked to be a terrible season.

What have you made of Liverpool this season?

I had them down as title winners back in the summer. You can't reach a Champions League final then have a strong summer transfer window without expecting the most serious title challenge in years. 

You know what you're getting with Liverpool: fast, ferocious, passionate play. Perhaps Jürgen Klopp has reined things in ever so slightly this season but the old adage of "attack wins games, defences win titles" springs to mind here. 

The minute Klopp was appointed I had him down as ending this long title drought. The fans buzz off his charisma and the way he plays and that's a fearsome alchemy.

Which one LFC player would you like to see in a Manchester United shirt?

Van Dijk. United's defence remains, to be kind, a work in progress. While Lindelof is improving, if he had the league's best centre-back alongside him, United would be so much stronger.

How will United line up on Sunday?

There's whispers Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial could make surprise returns but I'd be shocked at that. Mata is wasted on the right but, as Liverpool fans know, he is a danger man in this fixture. It would be interesting to see if United are set up similar to how they played at Chelsea, with Mata in a diamond. 

Where will the game be won and lost?

Again, the two key men for me: Pogba and Van Dijk. While they are unlikely to come into direct battle often, whoever excels for their respective side can expect to be on the winning team. Van Dijk bullied Lukaku at Anfield, no mean feat, but if Pogba is purring Liverpool will worry.

What is your prediction for the match?

Not. A. Chance. Apart from being possibly the most superstitious of people not just in football but in life, you're not getting a prediction out of me for ANY game. 

Can I say that, er, we hope football is the winner? *cough*. Ahem.

Premier League 2018-19 Premier League 2018-19

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Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a headline-grabbing fixture against Manchester United that could put Jürgen Klopp's men back on top of the Premier League.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will become the fastest player in Premier League history to score 50 goals for a single club if he nets against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A goal on his 63rd league appearance for the Reds would break Alan Shearer's record of reaching 50 goals in 66 appearances for Blackburn Rovers in 1994.

Liverpool's club record is currently held by Fernando Torres, who notched his half-century over 72 games.

For more need-to-know pre-match facts and figures, courtesy of club statistician Ged Rea, read on... 

Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have lost only once in the last seven meetings with Manchester United in all competitions.

The Reds have scored in all but one of the last 10 league visits to Old Trafford.

The last 11 league meetings at United's ground have produced 37 goals.

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Twelve goals have been scored by Liverpool substitutes against United in league football. Only Stoke City (13) have conceded more to Reds players coming off the bench.

Daniel Sturridge scored on his league debut for LFC at United in January 2013 after coming on as a substitute.

Jordan Henderson could play the 300th Premier League game of his career, which will also be his 400th career club game in all competitions.

Another clean sheet for Alisson Becker will be his 15th of the Premier League campaign - the most by any Liverpool goalkeeper in the competition since Pepe Reina's 17 in 2009-10.

Sadio Mane has scored in each of Liverpool's last four Premier League games. The last Reds player to do so in five in succession was Salah (January to March 2018) - a sequence ended at Old Trafford.

Mane is one goal away from equalling his best ever tally in the Premier League - he scored 13 for Liverpool in his first season with the club, 2016-17. 

Liverpool have won at Old Trafford four times in a league campaign and gone on to lift the title - 1963-64, 1978-79, 1981-82 and in 1989-90.

The Reds have taken 30 points from a possible 39 away from home this season in the Premier League.

They have conceded fewer goals than any other team on the road in this season's campaign (eight).

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Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will become the fastest player in Premier League history to score 50 goals for a single club if he nets against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Another stoppage time goal saw Liverpool U18s salvage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday.

Leighton Clarkson rescued the young Reds in the north east, with the midfielder’s last-gasp strike enough to earn a point that takes Barry Lewtas’ side top of the table by virtue of Everton’s 4-2 loss to Stoke City.

Lewtas’ U18s have now scored decisively in injury time on five occasions in the league this season, and the manager felt his team’s latest feat of escapology was fully merited given the balance of play throughout the 90 minutes. 

“They defended quite deep and looked to catch us on the counter-attack,” Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It was hard, they were a tough team to break down. We created a few chances but just didn’t get that elusive goal, which is the only disappointing part of the performance, really. We just couldn’t create that final pass, that final cross to finish and they scored against the run of play.

“But in fairness to the lads, we kept playing, we kept trying to break them down and then we equalised in injury time again. 

“Sometimes them games can be really difficult. I think although we were patient in our attack and the way we tried to play, they defended ever so well: they blocked, they cleared and we had to start again. 

“It’s good experience for the boys, we’ve had a number of them games now, but sometimes you’ve got to give credit to the opposition. They blocked when they needed to block, they cleared when they needed to clear. They were in good positions to clear when we crossed the ball, so it was one of them.

“But I think a draw was nothing less than we deserved - if we weren’t going to win the game, we certainly weren’t going to lose it.”

With Everton and Manchester United - who were held to a 2-2 draw by Blackburn Rovers - also failing to win this weekend, Liverpool now sit a point clear at the summit of the U18 Premier League and have a game in hand on each of their closest rivals.

That match comes against Stoke at the Academy on Wednesday - and Lewtas is in no doubt that the young Reds are in for a challenging test versus the team that defeated Everton on Saturday.

“We’ve said to the boys that it’s great that it’s so close at the top of the table but we don’t want to be chasing results week in and week out because I don’t think that’s really healthy,” he continued.

“But we’ve got to keep chasing good performances and we’ve said that if we perform well, the results will take care of themselves. If we can keep performing to our levels until the end of the season, we’ll see where that takes us. 

“They’ve got to look after their own business and we’ve just got to keep focused on ours. We play Stoke on Wednesday and I know how tough that’s going to be. 

“Everton were in a tough game today against good opposition, and we’ll be in the same on Wednesday so we’ll see how we do.”

Liverpool U18s v Newcastle: Jaros, Walls (Savage), R Williams, Boyes, Larouci, Ritaccio (Tagseth), Dixon-Bonner, Bearne (Stewart), Clarkson, O’Rourke, Duncan.

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Another stoppage time goal saw Liverpool U18s salvage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday.

Liverpool head to Old Trafford on Sunday knowing a point will take them back to the top of the Premier League, but a win would be huge for their title push. Here are all the best statistics and facts ahead of the big game.

Unhappy hunting ground…recent improvement

Liverpool have won 14 of the Premiership meetings with United winning 28. There have been 11 draws.

The Reds have won five times in the Premier League era in 26 visits, losing 16. The victories have all come in the last 18 trips to Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s win earlier in the season was their first over United in nine league meetings (three draws and five losses).

Since their last victory at Old Trafford in March 2014 the Reds have drawn one and lost three of four visits.

Liverpool have won 16 times on this ground in the league in 85 visits.

Potential omen

Liverpool have won at Old Trafford four times in a league campaign and gone on to lift the title: 1963-64, 78-79, 81-82 and in 89-90—the last time they lifted the trophy.

Expecting goals

The last goalless draw at Old Trafford between the teams was played out in October 1991. Since then the 26 league clashes have produced at least one goal in each.

Liverpool have scored in all but one of their last 10 league visits.

The Reds have kept five clean sheets in the last 36 league clashes with United at Old Trafford and only one in the last 14 on the ground.

The last 11 league meetings at Old Trafford have produced 37 goals.

This season saw Liverpool score more than once in a game against United for only the second time in the last 15 league meetings home and away.

Twelve goals have been scored by Liverpool substitutes against Manchester United in league football. Only Stoke (13) have conceded more to Reds players coming off the bench.

Memories

Joel Matip played against United as a 20-year-old substitute in a Champions League semi-final in 2011 while with Schalke. His team lost 4-1 at Old Trafford.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first Premier League start for the club at Old Trafford in January 2017.

Divock Origi made his Reds debut as a substitute in a 3-1 Old Trafford defeat in September 2015.

Daniel Sturridge scored on his league debut for Liverpool at United in January 2013 after coming off the bench. Liverpool lost 2-1.

Milestones and another Mo record?

Another clean sheet for Alisson will be his 15th of the Premier League campaign – the most by any Liverpool goalkeeper in the competition since Pepe Reina (17 in 2009-10).

Mo Salah is one goal away from scoring 50 in the league for Liverpool in fewer games than any other player in the club’s history. This is his 63rd game and the record is currently held by Fernando Torres (72 matches).

The Premier League record for reaching 50 in fewest games for a single club is 66 matches, held by Alan Shearer while he was with Blackburn.

Jordan Henderson could play the 300th Premier League game of his career, which will also be his 400th career club game in all competitions.

Mane’s mission

Sadio Mane has scored in each of Liverpool’s last four Premier League games. The last Reds player to do so in five in succession was Salah (Jan-Mar 2018), a sequence ended at Old Trafford.

Mane is one goal from equalling his best-ever goalscoring tally in the Premier League—he scored 13 for Liverpool in his first season with the club, 2016-17.

Away form

A victory in this game will see Liverpool notch a 10th away win of this league campaign. Only twice in the previous nine seasons have they reached double figures.

The Reds have taken 30 points from a possible 39 away from home this season in the Premier League.

They have conceded fewer goals than any other team on the road in this season’s campaign (eight).

United view

When United parted company with Jose Mourinho in December they had collected just 26 points after 17 league games and was their worst start to a season since 1990-91.

While United took 26 points from 17 games under Jose Mourinho at a rate of 1.53 points per game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign so far has plundered 25 points from nine, averaging 2.78.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faced Liverpool once before as a manager with the Reds defeating his side, Cardiff, 6-3 in 2014.

They have conceded 16 at home in the league this season—more than in any of the last four complete campaigns.

Since United’s change of manager, Paul Pogba has scored eight goals in his last nine league games, with four coming in the last four.

They have kept clean sheets in three of the last four games while they have failed to score in only one of the last 19 matches in all competitions.

Scorers this season

Liverpool: Salah 20, Mane 13, Firmino 11, Milner 5, Shaqiri 6, Sturridge 4, Origi 2, Wijnaldum 2, Alexander-Arnold 1, Fabinho 1, Lovren 1, Matip 1, Van Dijk 1, own goals 2.

Man United: Pogba 14, Martial 11, Rashford 10, Lukaku 9, Lingard 5, Mata 5, Herrera 3, Fellaini 2, Sanchez 2, Fred 1, Lindelof 1, Matic 1, Shaw 1, Smalling 1, Young 1, own goals 1.

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Liverpool take on historic rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday as they seek to go clear at the top of the Premier League.

A draw, or better, would move Jürgen Klopp's men ahead of current leaders Manchester City, with 11 league games left to play until the end of the season.

The Reds beat United 3-1 at Anfield earlier this term but there is a new man in the United dugout - the third Red Devils manager Klopp will have faced since arriving at Liverpool in 2015 - and new impetus on the pitch.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attack-minded approach has yielded eight victories during a nine-match unbeaten run in the league and Sunday's encounter against a Liverpool side that have outscored all but City this season threatens to be a real thriller.

We've picked out three key player battles that could help decide the match...

Romelu Lukaku v Virgil van Dijk

Having sat out Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich due to suspension, centre-back Virgil van Dijk heads to Old Trafford fresh, rested and looking to reprise his dominant display from the reverse fixture in December.

The Dutch centre-back helped limit opposite number Romelu Lukaku to just 20 touches of the ball at Anfield, with seven of those coming in the United striker's own half.

Lukaku will hope to receive better service this time around, but the 6ft 2in striker will still face a real battle to get the better of an equally imposing player that can also match him for pace and technical ability.

Van Dijk has played more minutes in the Premier League than any of his outfield colleagues at Liverpool this term, helping to keep a league-leading 14 clean sheets in the process.

Lukaku, meanwhile, is still seeking to rediscover the form that made him United's top scorer with 27 goals in 2017-18.

The Belgian international has nine this term, with three of those coming in his 11 outings under Solskjaer. Arguably his best performance under the new regime came against Arsenal at the end of January when he provided a brilliant pair of assists in a 3-1 win.

Paul Pogba v Georginio Wijnaldum

With eight goals and five assists in his nine Premier League matches under Solskjaer, Paul Pogba is one of the most in-form players in the top flight at present.

Restored to the position in which he did so much damage at Juventus - on the left of a midfield three - the French World Cup winner has been revitalised.

Goalscorer, creator and destroyer all in one, the 25-year-old has become central to the way United play.

Lining up for Liverpool against Pogba will likely be Georginio Wijnaldum, who is enjoying an excellent season himself.

Wijnaldum's all-action midfield display against Man Utd

Despite the arrival of Naby Keita and Fabinho in the summer, the Dutch international has stepped up to become one of the mainstays of Klopp's midfield.

Back in a more attack-minded role recently, often playing as Liverpool's most advanced midfielder, the 28-year-old will be aiming to keep Pogba busy tracking back towards his own goal, but is more than capable of doing a defensive job if required.

He was a dominant force when the two clubs met in December and if he can repeat that on Sunday it will go a long way to giving his side the upper hand.

Victor Lindelof v Roberto Firmino

With Mohamed Salah tending to revert to his wider role for the bigger away games it could well be Roberto Firmino who is charged with terrorising the United centre-backs.

The Brazilian has largely played a more withdrawn, creative role this season but has still managed to net 11 times in all competitions.

The No.9 set up Xherdan Shaqiri for the final goal in the sides' previous showdown in December, against a United defence that featured Victor Lindelof.

The Sweden international and his colleagues couldn't cope with Liverpool's attacking trio that day, but he has since developed into one of the unsung heroes of Solskjaer's revolution.

The much-improved Lindelof was shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Month for January after a series of impressive performances and is now an automatic choice in the centre of defence.

The ball-playing centre-back likes to build attacks when in possession but also loves a tackle. That combination, plus his pace and excellent reading of the game, makes him a tough opponent to beat.

But he will certainly have to be at his best to subdue a Firmino-led trio - along with Salah and Sadio Mane - that have scored 38 times in the Premier League this season.

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Liverpool take on historic rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday as they seek to go clear at the top of the Premier League.

Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Manchester United on Sunday, whet the appetite by reliving every goal we've scored at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.

There have been an array of different strikes netted by the visitors in the fixture over the years, from long-range stunners to solo efforts bagged by the likes of Steven Gerrard, Danny Murphy, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez.

You can see them all again in the video below now...

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Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Manchester United on Sunday, whet the appetite by reliving every goal we've scored at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.

Liverpool face their most important match of the season on Sunday afternoon, as Jurgen Klopp‘s men visit fierce rivals Man United.

Man United vs. Liverpool

Sunday, February 24, 2019 – 2.05pm (GMT)
Old Trafford
Premier League
Referee: Michael Oliver

It doesn’t get much bigger than this.

English football’s greatest fixture is a special occasion at the best of times but this meeting has extra substance to it.

The Reds visit their bitter adversaries knowing a win will take them three points clear of Man City and act as an enormous mental boost moving forward.

Even a draw is not to be sniffed at, considering their wretched run at Old Trafford, dropped points though it may be.

Liverpool would still jump above City with a point, leaving destiny in their own hands.

We have reached the crunch point of the season, with every match feeling significant, and we are about to learn a lot about the belief that exists in this Liverpool squad.

Waiting for them this weekend are a United side reinvigorated under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and looking to damage their rivals’ title hopes.

The thought of Liverpool clinching glory is one that will be giving United fans sleepless nights and the players will be chomping at the bit come kickoff.

Klopp must have his team prepared for a cauldron of an atmosphere and a game likely to be as intense as any they have faced in 2018/19.

Win, and it will be one of the Reds’ most significant away results in years. They’re more than capable of it.

This fixture last season: Man United 2-1 Liverpool

Team News

Virgil van Dijk returns from suspension after missing Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich, which is a major plus point.

The Dutchman looks set to partner Joel Matip in the continued absence of Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren.

There are no other injury concerns, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster are still a way off playing first-team football.

In midfield, Klopp has a selection dilemma, with Fabinho sure to go back into the No.6 role, leaving Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Naby Keita and James Milner battling for two starting berths.

Wijnaldum seems a certainty to start, given his form, but the other three could all make strong cases for featuring from the beginning, too.

Fit-again Xherdan Shaqiri is another option should the manager revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation, but that seems unlikely.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all primed and raring to go, with the two wide men needing to offer more than they did against Bayern.

United could have Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial available, having initially been major doubts, but Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo will all miss out.

Last 5 Away to Man United (All Competitions)

Lost 2-1 – March 2018 (Rashford x2; Bailly OG)
Drew 1-1 – January 2017 (Ibrahimovic; Milner pen)
Drew 1-1 – March 2016 (Martial pen; Coutinho)
Lost 3-1 – September 2015 (Blind, Herrera, Martial; Benteke)
Lost 3-0 – December 2014 (Rooney, Mata, Van Persie)

Old Trafford

Capacity: 74,994

Away fans’ pubs: Get some cans from a shop.

One piece of advice for visiting fan: Like when we go to Anfield, don’t expect it to reach the hype.

It’s no longer the biggest game in the country, the rivalry is sterile and will never reach the heights of the 1980s where the games were played by men in front of men, as someone famously described the ’85 semi-finals.

Go in, watch an average game that will be a draw or a goal in it either side while people make gestures about plane crashes and others make snide references to Heysel and Hillsborough and then go home despairing at the pathetic state of the modern-day supporter.

And have some more cans.

Answers courtesy of Steve Armstrong (@sarm0161).

Did You Know?

There has only been one draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League between Liverpool and United since 2000.

That came in 2017, when the two sides drew 1-1, after Milner scored a first-half penalty and Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised late in the day.

United have won 12 of the other matches in that time, with Liverpool securing just five victories (2000/01, 01/02, 03/04, 08/09, 13/14).

They did draw 1-1 in the Europa League last 16 in 2016, however.

Form

Man United – Last five results (all competitions)

Won 2-0 vs. Chelsea
Lost 2-0 vs. PSG
Won 3-0 vs. Fulham
Won 1-0 vs. Leicester
Drew 2-2 vs. Burnley

Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)

Drew 0-0 vs. Bayern Munich
Won 3-0 vs. Bournemouth
Drew 1-1 vs. West Ham
Drew 1-1 vs. Leicester
Won 4-3 vs. Crystal Palace

Klopp’s View

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Speaking to the press on Friday, Klopp was under no illusions about the threat United will pose, but also praised his own team:

“It’s a big one. They are in a good moment, physically strong, defend and attack well. Full of confidence.

“We will try everything to get a result there.

“We can’t make the game bigger, we just have to do the best we can do. I know what you have in your minds: for us it’s the worst moment to face United and the best moment for them.

“But it’s not that we go there as a weak opponent. We are a pretty well-organised football team.”

TV & Live Blog Info

Man United vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Main Event from 1pm (GMT), with kickoff at 2.05pm.

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are sure to be on good form, ahead of a game that both will likely be dreading and looking forward to in equal measure.

Chris Williams is in charge of our matchday liveblog from 1.20pm, bringing you the usual pre-match content and regular updates during the match.

This Is Anfield readers can get an exclusive 25% off a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass by clicking here and using the promo code ANFIELDNOW.

This will also allow you to watch the League Cup final directly after the game.

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Ahead of Liverpool's meeting with arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, we take a look back at five of the club's most memorable wins at Old Trafford...

Aurelio and co sink United (2009)

Liverpool came from behind to record a truly memorable 4-1 win over United on their own patch. Coming into the game on the back of the 4-0 trouncing of Real Madrid in the Champions League, the Reds played some outstanding football. Cristiano Ronaldo gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot, only for Fernando Torres to run through and level the score. Steven Gerrard continued the turnaround, making it 2-1 with a spot-kick, and in the second half his clear run through on goal was halted by Nemanja Vidic. Fabio Aurelio sent the resulting free-kick into the top corner of the net with a magnificent effort, and substitute Andrea Dossena emerged to net another brilliant goal and seal a 4-1 win.

Gerrard nets twice in 3-0 win (2014)

Gerrard scored two penalties and also missed one as Liverpool cruised to victory over David Moyes' side. The Reds skipper opened the scoring on 34 minutes and added another spot-kick just after the break. Luis Suarez wrapped up the victory with a superb third goal six minutes from time, and only the heroics of David de Gea prevented a heavier scoreline.

Barnes at the double as Reds charge on for the title (1990)

John Barnes was the hero as Kenny Dalglish's team closed in on the title with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. The talismanic No.10 opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a superb run and finish after a lovely link-up with Peter Beardsley, and then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. A bizarre own goal from Ronnie Whelan on 82 minutes made for a nervy ending and Bruce Grobbelaar made a fantastic save from an acrobatic Brian McClair effort.

Murphy free-kick seals memorable win (2000)

Liverpool secured their first triumph at Old Trafford in 10 years thanks to Danny Murphy's fabulous free-kick. It was the first of the midfielder's hat-trick of winners at the ground.

A memorable debut for Thommo (1972)

Phil Thompson made his Liverpool debut as the Reds won 3-0 at Old Trafford. Two goals inside two second-half minutes laid the pathway for victory, Chris Lawler opening the scoring on the hour mark and John Toshack quickly doubling the lead. Emlyn Hughes added a third goal six minutes before the end.

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Ahead of Liverpool's meeting with arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, we take a look back at five of the club's most memorable wins at Old Trafford...

Mohamed Salah has told Jamie Carragher he doesn’t see himself as an out-and-out striker, also brushing off criticism of his form this season.

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Liverpool face a monumental Premier League clash with Man United on Sunday, looking to win at Old Trafford for the first time since 2014.

Victory would also take the Reds top of the table by three points, with a draw also seeing them leapfrog champions Man City.

Salah is yet to score against United during his time in England and his influence at Old Trafford is going to vital for his side.

Speaking to Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports ahead of the mouthwatering contest, the 26-year-old spoke about his favourite role for Liverpool.

“I have played centre-forward a lot, but I can still also play on the wing, I have scored many goals on the wing,” said Salah.

“I always call myself a winger as I don’t like to call myself a No. 9.

“My way, the way I play, it is never like hold the ball up and be strong. Even when I play striker, my position is different than any other player. Like Harry Kane, he has a different style.

“When I play No. 9 I drop deep to play No. 10 and get the ball and dribble, so I always call myself a winger.

“It depends on the game [where he plays] and the tactics that the manager wants. I can play as a No. 9, but when I play as a winger I do my job.

“The manager doesn’t say suddenly ‘okay, now you are playing No. 9’, it doesn’t work like that, he talks to me before the game.”

Salah also discussed any flack that has come his way for perhaps not quite hitting last season’s heights, brushing it aside and saying the team comes first:

“This season is much more difficult for me than last season but I think there is misunderstanding from people as they always judge you one way.

“I don’t like that much, but I don’t care too much. At the end of the day, we are first and I am trying to help the team to win games. And I am still top goalscorer in the Premier League.”

Finally, Salah touched on the pressure that is coming Liverpool’s way in the title race, admitting it is hard to ignore but it applies to their rivals, too.

“You can feel it [the pressure] because you are still a human being. For me it is not a big deal if I win a game now or three weeks ago.

“I want to win each game, but for myself I said that we are playing for the Premier League, so there is pressure. Also there is pressure for Man City.

“I said in November that there is pressure and it will be there until the end of the season, because when you okay for the Premier League you have to accept that there is pressure.

“When you go home you can take it with you, but it can help you to work harder and focus on your game.

“To enjoy it is not enough, from my side. At the end of the day you have a target in your mind, you have a dream, you want to win the Premier League.

“I even said that two years ago when I came – it is a dream to win the Premier League.”

The whole nine-minute interview is enthralling and showcases Salah’s mental toughness but also his likeable personality.

Liverpool’s No.11 is clearly a strong character and he will be as revved-up as anyone to end the Old Trafford hoodoo and send the Reds back to the Premier League‘s summit.

He leads the way in the scoring charts, as he himself stated, sitting joint-top on 17 goals with a dangerously in-form Sergio Aguero.

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Virgil van Dijk’s return gives Jurgen Klopp some big decisions to make with his midfield selection in Sunday’s showdown with Man United.

English football’s fiercest rivalry reignites at Old Trafford with the stakes arguably higher than ever before for the Reds in the Premier League era.

Victory would simply be priceless for Liverpool, and it will take a season’s best performance to get it against a very different United side to the one swatted aside at Anfield in December.

Crucially, the Reds come into the grudge match in better shape and will be closer to full-strength than against Bayern Munich as van Dijk is available.

But the Dutchman’s return brings a real selection dilemma for Klopp in midfield, with several in-form options battling for shirts.

So how could Liverpool’s starting XI look at Old Trafford?

Team News

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Klopp is boosted by the availability of Van Dijk, who will return to defence after missing the Bayern Munich draw through suspension.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the boss confirmed this was the only return with no change on the injury front.

Dejan Lovren (hamstring) is still out, as is Joe Gomez (leg fracture) for the foreseeable future, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster continue to build towards comebacks.

Van Dijk’s return to centre-back will free up Fabinho and the Brazilian could be restored to his natural midfield position.

Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita will all be hoping to keep their starting shirts after impressing as a unit against Bayern.

James Milner is also pushing for starting XI recall, giving Klopp a tough midfield selection to make.

Xherdan Shaqiri is unlikely to force into the attack and the likes of Adam Lallana, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge will continue on the bench.

Liverpool’s Potential XI vs. United

With van Dijk returning and therefore Fabinho freed up, Klopp’s big selection call comes with his midfield.

The rest of the lineup picks itself assuming Klopp will stick with a 4-3-3 system at Old Trafford, which seems almost certain for a heavyweight fixture away from home.

The defence will see Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, van Dijk and Andy Robertson protect Alisson, while the traditional front three will lead from the front.

What goes in between those established units is the million-dollar question.

The answer only Klopp knows at this stage, but we could see a selection of Fabinho – who Klopp suggested will return to midfield in his press conference – Henderson and Wijnaldum.

It would mean Keita – somewhat harshly – drops to the bench but this trio would have greater presence for a fixture that is always a battle on enemy territory.

Crucially, Fabinho would operate at No.6 to provide physicality and defensive know-how in a key area to handle the threat of Paul Pogba.

Henderson should start for his experience of this fixture and given he just produced his best display of the season so far, while Wijnaldum is undroppable currently.

If that aforementioned trio doesn’t appeal then it is likely that the alternative will be a central unit of Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Keita.

Though harsh on Henderson this time, this trident arguably stands out as Liverpool’s strongest, most talented and best balanced.

Indeed, this trio shone in their previous league outing together with a top-level performance against Bournemouth – which was also the Reds’ best team display of 2019 so far.

This unit also offers greater goal-threat and creativity, which will suit a front-footed style as Klopp’s side look for what could be a season-defining three points at Old Trafford.

Klopp is facing a tough call with how to shape his midfield for Sunday’s showdown and it will be interesting to see what the German eventually decides to do.

It then comes down to those chosen to rise to the occasion and repay the faith with a whole-hearted performance to earn what would be a priceless three points in the pursuit for title glory.

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How would you like your child to not only learn to play the Liverpool Way, but to do so on the pitch at Anfield?

This spring, they can do just that on one of our special Anfield Player Experience courses, which are open for bookings now.

The two-hour Soccer School sessions will run from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on Tuesday May 14 and Thursday May 16 and are available to both boys and girls between the ages of five and 15 years.

The courses take place on the pitch at Anfield, meaning the youngsters will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and more in gracing the hallowed turf.

They’ll emerge from the players’ tunnel to You’ll Never Walk Alone for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and even have a chance to score a goal in front of the Kop.

The session will consist of participation in carefully designed practices with experienced LFC International Academy coaches and will cover all different aspects of the game.

All players will receive a medal, an LFC gift and a certificate signed by Ian Rush.

Click here for more information and to enrol your child on the course.

For more information on LFC Soccer Schools, click here.

Each participant on the Soccer School course may bring with them a maximum of two spectators.

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How would you like your child to not only learn to play the Liverpool Way, but to do so on the pitch at Anfield?

Trent Alexander-Arnold believes Alisson Becker’s performances this season have proven his status as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers.

Brazil international Alisson’s 33 appearances for the Reds to date have yielded 17 clean sheets and the concession of just 22 goals. 

His classy distribution skills have also added a new dimension to Liverpool’s game this term - and Alexander-Arnold has hailed his teammate’s ability and the ease at which he has adapted to life at Anfield.

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“Obviously it’s important for any team that wants to be really successful to try to have the best players that they possibly can in all positions and I think Alisson is definitely one of the best in the world in his position. He’s shown that many times already for us,” the full-back told Goal.

“He’s an incredible player and a really good person off the pitch as well, which is something that’s important for any team and especially us because we like to have a good team bond and he’s fitted in straight away and shown that he can adapt as well.”

“So he’s really changed a lot of things at the club.”

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Trent Alexander-Arnold believes Alisson Becker’s performances this season have proven his status as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers.