Manchester United vs Liverpool LIVE: Team news, line-ups and more today

The Dutchman believes the last week could come at a great cost to United in their bid for a top-four or top-five finish as he rued the “very expensive” loss of five points in stoppage time.

Last month’s FA Cup meeting was marred by incidents of tragedy chanting about the Hillsborough disaster, resulting in arrests.

While admitting he hasn’t personally witnessed it on the sidelines, Klopp emphasized the importance of fan education and calls on supporters to “educate our kids” on respect within the sport.

He urged supporters to focus on positive support and let the competition take place on the pitch.

Chris Wilder was warned by a former Sheffield United manager. Himself, to be precise. Rewind to 2020, to Wilder’s first spell in charge at Bramall Lane, to a sport being reshaped by Covid and the contest between Liverpool and Sheffield United then was a spat.

Jurgen Klopp was the most outspoken advocate of making five substitutes a permanent part of the managerial armoury. Wilder, feeling the smaller clubs had less bench strength, was the spokesman for the other camp, branding Klopp “selfish”.

The German won the argument. And, several years later, the game. Probably the final meaningful intervention in the managerial meetings of Klopp and Wilder came from two replacements: Andy Robertson, brought on in the first of Klopp’s two double substitutions, crossed and Cody Gakpo, introduced in the second pair, headed in.

Five months later, there were five goals in the first 50 minutes; Liverpool were 5-0 up, Paul Pogba came on and was promptly sent off and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pronounced it his darkest day as United manager. It ensured there weren’t too many other days, too: he limped on for four more games.

And it underlined an aspect. Klopp’s wins felt momentous and consequential; immediate illustrations of where United were going wrong, sometimes catalysts for change. Jose Mourinho was sacked two days after 2018’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield where the scoreline obscured the level of Liverpool’s dominance as they chalked up 36 shots.

It was like Disneyland, according to Ed Woodward’s infamous, almost apocryphal and ultimately unsuccessful sales pitch. It was not enough to persuade Jurgen Klopp to join Manchester United. Later, he instead signed up for historic rivals. He has been an indictment of United, not an inspiration for them. Klopp against United has been a nine-season battle that comes to an end on Sunday.

In some respects, he has only shaded it. United have actually finished ahead of Liverpool four times, including the season when Klopp was parachuted into Anfield in October.

The final score there will only be 5-4. Klopp will end up with another winning record: seven victories to five so far, but, explosive as many of his games can seem, draws outnumber either. He has not beaten United in two games this season, despite 59 shots. He has lost on both trips to Old Trafford in Erik ten Hag’s reign. He has only won twice in 10 visits there.

Manchester United win 4/1

Manchester United’s defensive injury crisis was further worsened against Chelsea with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both replaced due to injury. With Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof each out for a month at least, it could leave Willy Kambwala to partner Harry Maguire.

Wataru Endo was absent from Liverpool’s win over Sheffield United with a knock but the midfielder could well be back in the starting side for this fixture. Ibrahima Konate started that game but Jarell Quansah may push to return, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are vying for a start at right-back after Andy Robertson’s return on the left.

While not necessarily finding top gear, Jurgen Klopp’s side were relatively comfortable winners against Sheffield United on Thursday to go back to the top of the table.

Manchester United’s midweek action was rather more dramatic, pipped at the last by Chelsea to put fresh pressure on Erik ten Hag.

But the seven-goal FA Cup quarter-final between these two rivals showed how unpredictable this fixture can be, and the hosts will hope to again cause Liverpool problems

Manchester United vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 3.30pm BST on Sunday 7 April at Old Trafford.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 2.30pm.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester United vs. Liverpool.

The Reds travel to Old Trafford hoping to pick up what could be a vital three points in the race for the title.