When it comes to Manchester United versus Liverpool, you do not have to look too hard for subplots.
Sunday’s clash of sixth versus second is the match that electrifies the north west of England. We have Jurgen Klopp facing up against Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who could have ended up at Liverpool in 2013 were it not for the then Dortmund boss.
The return to fitness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the return to fitness of Philippe Coutinho and Wayne Rooney’s ongoing search for his record-breaking goal are all bubbling under the surface ahead of the 4pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
The most expensive squad ever assembled faces off against the Liverpool team to make the best start to a Premier League season in the history of the club, but it is a player signed by David Moyes three years ago this month who could hold the key.
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With the arrival of Jose Mourinho, many feared for Juan Mata’s Manchester United career. The Portuguese sold Mata to United during his second spell at Stamford Bridge, giving a distinct impression he did not fancy the Spaniard.
A clever footballer with a beautiful pass and an eye for goal, it was not a view shared by many and, thankfully for Mata, it seems Mourinho has seen the light.
Despite serious competition in the United attack, the 28-year-old has started 11 Premier League games this season, scoring four goals and clocking up two assists.
However his statistics in matches against Liverpool are incredible. In his last four Premier League appearances against the Reds, Mata has scored three goals and assisted in the scoring of two more.
United fans will be a long time forgetting his scissor-kick as he netted twice in a 2-1 win at Anfield in March 2015 and, time and again, he has tormented Liverpool.
He may not make our combined XI but, after scoring against Hull in midweek, it will be a shock if he does not start on Sunday.
Catch up with this week’s episode of Football Friday Live:
