The Red Devils endured a miserable campaign last time out when they registered an embarrassing title defence finishing seventh in the league. This was certainly way off the standards expected at the club and it was for this reason that former manager David Moyes was relieved of his position even before the season reached its conclusion.
In Van Gaal the United faithful saw a man who could guide them back to glory days, however with the squad he has to his expense and the money which has been spent it must be said that the Dutchman has failed to create an impression so far.
The current squad is nothing like the United side of yesteryears and has regularly seemed desperate and out of ideas. However that said, they do seem to reignite the fighting spirit shown by many Ferguson teams and have picked up maximum points from a number of their games in which they have performed poorly.
However the Red Devils responded strongly to the defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the FA Cup and in their subsequent match against Tottenham they produced a performance which was arguably their best this season.
They came up against a side which has done well this season and was spearheaded in attack by the hottest striker in the country in the form of Harry Kane. The 21 year old who is the league's top scorer was kept quiet throughout the course of the match as Man United made the difference at the other end.
The Red Devils tormented the Spurs backline time and time again, with key men finally stepping up for their team. Following that performance, it is vital that Van Gaa'ls men show the same aspiration in the upcoming fixture which may very well pave the path for the remainder of the season.
A victory will put them five points clear of Liverpool and in the driving seat for a place in the top four. A defeat on the other hand will make life very difficult for them keeping in mind that they still have Man City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal to play this season.
United must bear in mind that Liverpool will enter the pitch with a lot of hunger and that they must match it through their performance. Man United have been very inconsistent this season in terms of their performances but have still managed to scrap wins. However they cannot expect luck to be always on their side especially keeping in mind the opposition they are facing.
The likes of Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini have been exceptional recently but it is important that other players also follow suit. Angel Di Maria will be available for selection and it is important that he makes his presence felt.
The former Real Madrid man is arguably one of the most talented players in the league but is yet to hit the ground running. He is capable of producing moments of magic and it is important that he shows his true colours on Sunday.
For a club as big as Man United finishing in the top four should be the bare minimum and anything other than that this season will be a failure. The team will be full of confidence following their win last week and it is important that they show the same vigour and passion on Sunday.
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