Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra says the Red Devils will need a “miracle” to take anything from tonight’s meeting with Liverpool.
While I am completely fed up with asking this group of players to issue a response on the pitch, I really hope Manchester United can muster up the determination required to inflict revenge on Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag deserves that as both teams go into the game in search of their first win this season. Liverpool have picked up 2 points from as many games, but we’ve shown no encouraging signs whatsoever in our defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
To make matters worse, United were well beaten by Liverpool on two occasions last season, losing 5-0 at Old Trafford and 4-0 at Anfield.
Ten Hag will want to show everyone that his team can compete with last season’s runners-up, although there are few people that believe he can achieve that this season.
As for Evra, who was on the winning side against Liverpool 11 times during his time at United, he believes his former club need something special to strike revenge.
“Against Liverpool we will need a miracle,” Evra told Betfair, as quoted by Manchester Evening News. “The only positive thing is Liverpool haven’t won a game yet, so they also don’t look ready yet.
“I think since [Sadio] Mane left, there’s a big gap there. Mane was important as [Mohamed] Salah for the team. Klopp has to adapt the team in a different way.
“United can surprise everyone but it’s going to be tough. Maybe this match can boost the players confidence. Liverpool are not at the level of Man City at the moment, and I know they will get back.”
Confidence is the key word used here. United are lacking in that department and Ten Hag needs something – on the pitch – to lift that. I’d love to see Marcus Rashford open the scoring early on… We need a boost.
Evra fears Liverpool will be extra motivated for the clash after dropping points in their first two games, adding: “I’m positive about Liverpool turning things around, and it hurts me to say that. Last year, I remember they struggled when Virgil van Dijk was injured, but they still went toe-to-toe with City for the league title, so they will come back and I trust Klopp and Liverpool.
“Now, I don’t trust Man United. We are touching rock-bottom right now, it wouldn’t surprise me if we beat Liverpool. We can’t do anything worse.
“Last season, Liverpool won 4-0, but it could have been more, it was like a training session. If Liverpool are arrogant we can beat them. But if Liverpool come into this game motivated after they haven’t won any of their first two then they will destroy us.”
