Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has openly acknowledged that he would be highly motivated if he were part of the Manchester United camp ahead of their clash at Anfield this Sunday, especially given United’s 7-0 defeat at the same venue last season. The Reds, aiming to maintain their top spot in the Premier League, are set to host their Mancunian rivals.
United, seeking redemption for their humiliating loss in March, arrive in low spirits following their midweek Champions League exit. Alisson, who experienced a 5-2 defeat with Roma against Liverpool in 2018, shared his perspective in an interview with the Guardian. When asked how he would feel as a United player approaching this crucial fixture, Alisson hinted at the intensity of the challenge and the potential for heightened motivation considering the history between the two clubs.
“I would be on fire and I would try to set my teammates on fire as well,” Alisson said.
“I played against Liverpool and I know how strong this team can be at Anfield. It wasn’t a good experience in terms of the result but this is the kind of game you want to play in. Players from Liverpool FC, from Chelsea, from Man United, from Man City, are players that have to enjoy playing in this kind of game. I enjoy it a lot when we play against big opponents.
“As a football player, as an elite athlete, you are going to try to use it [the 7-0] to motivate yourself. I don’t know much about the Man United players but I’m sure they are coming here to try and get the result from us.”
Manchester United’s 7-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool last season occurred merely a week after securing the Carabao Cup—an apex in the Erik ten Hag era thus far. Since that triumph, United has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations set for themselves, facing the possibility of sliding to as low as ninth in the Premier League standings by the end of the weekend.
United’s journey to Anfield comes on the heels of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in their final Champions League group stage match. In contrast, Liverpool, having already secured their group’s top spot in the Europa League, managed to rest most of their key players in a defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday. This strategic move positions the Reds well for the upcoming clash, as they aim to maintain their position at the pinnacle of the Premier League.