When Liverpool host Manchester United this Sunday, Anfield will again be the stage for one of football’s fiercest rivalries — the North West derby. But beyond the emotion and history, this clash carries weight for both teams’ early-season ambitions.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, sit second in the table, just a point off the top. Yet they enter the game on the back of a 2-1 loss to Chelsea — a result that snapped their unbeaten run and left fans demanding a response. United, meanwhile, are looking to climb out of midtable after an inconsistent start, though their recent 2-0 win over Sunderland has offered some encouragement.
The match, set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. EAT and streamed live on Showmax Premier League, could set the tone for both clubs heading into a demanding stretch of fixtures.
For Manchester United, the focus has turned inward — on finding rhythm and reliability. Defender Luke Shaw says that, above all else, the team needs to stop oscillating between wins and losses.
“I think the most important thing is the team’s overall performance,” Shaw said. “There are definitely a few positives to take from some of our games, but for us, consistency is key.”
He added, “Lately, we’ve been in a pattern of winning one game and then losing the next, and that’s something we’ve talked about fixing. We need to build momentum, keep winning, and pick up points regularly. At the end of the day, even if the performance isn’t perfect, what matters most is getting the result.”
That rhythm, Shaw said, feeds into confidence. “Winning always lifts the mood, restores confidence, and keeps the energy in the squad high,” he said. “For me, it’s all about maintaining that consistency.”
Midfielder Mason Mount echoed the same theme — that stability is what will keep the team on course. “This season, I think our home form has been really strong, and we want to keep that going,” he said. “Away from home, though, we’ve slipped up a bit, especially conceding goals at crucial moments. That’s an area we know we need to improve on.”
Mount added that United’s results will depend on balancing their performances home and away. “Like Luke said, consistency is so important. We need to find that balance between our home and away performances to stay on track.”
Both players acknowledged that facing Liverpool — especially at Anfield — will test their resolve. Shaw said the key lies in how they respond to adversity.
“Of course, it’s never easy losing a game; it’s always tough to take. But for us, what really matters is how we respond,” Shaw said. “We know we won’t win every match in the Premier League; it’s such a competitive league. But it’s about how we react to setbacks.”
He added that mentality plays a huge role in turning results around. “Keeping the atmosphere positive and the energy high helps us bounce back stronger. Having a game soon after a loss can help you reset. So, for me, it all comes down to how we react and keep pushing forward.”
Mount pointed out that tactical flexibility will be just as crucial. “As a team, all the players understand the different roles within the team, and in different games, we change small details here and there,” he said. “We’ve got to be ready for that within the game.”
“In the Premier League, teams are at such high levels — they change things within the game; we need to do the same,” he added. “We need to adapt too, whether it’s our formation or the way we press or set up, and always be ready and switched on for that to win the game.”
For both players, confidence remains at the core of performance. Mount said that when the team is in sync, the results will come. “We’ve spoken about that, all of us as players. Consistency is really important. If we perform to the level we know we can, we will win more games,” he said. “For me, that’s the most important thing.”
Shaw also had a message for the club’s young players watching from the sidelines. “Always enjoy what you’re doing,” he said. “When you’re enjoying it and happy, that brings the best out of you, which is confidence. You have to be confident to deliver high standards.”
He encouraged academy prospects to take advice seriously. “The young generation needs to listen to coaches, take their advice, and work on the things you need to do; they’re only trying to help you to build you into a more complete player,” he said.
On the other side of the rivalry, former Liverpool striker David Ngog believes the Reds will have the upper hand this weekend — though he expects a fight.
“It will be a tough encounter, but Manchester United are struggling as well at the moment, so Liverpool should win,” Ngog said.
He predicted a 3-1 victory for his former club. “I think Liverpool has an advantage in this game. They are a better side and they are playing at home as well,” he said. “It’s always important to win, especially with the difficult time the club has had over the last few games. I’m sure they will cope with the pressure, and I see them winning 3-1.”
Ngog, who famously scored against United at Old Trafford during his time with Liverpool, recalled how special that rivalry felt.
“To score against United was a great feeling,” he said. “One of my best memories with Liverpool, especially in front of the Kop. It was a great communion with the supporters. The hype ahead of the game is crazy as well. Already the week before you can feel the pressure with the media as well, so it’s a special game.”
And so, as Anfield prepares for another chapter of this storied rivalry, both clubs arrive with something to prove — Liverpool eager to reaffirm their title credentials, and United desperate to find their footing.
Kickoff is at 18:30 EAT, live on Showmax Premier League.
