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Liverpool are hosting Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon as the league leaders looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, with the fixture set to go ahead despite heavy snow overnight.
A second safety meeting was held just before midday to determine whether the clash could be staged at Anfield after an amber weather warning was issued for much of the north of England. And the go-ahead was given with the situation improving in the city after runways had earlier been closed at both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport amid widespread travel disruption.
With the fixture on, Arne Slot’s side will be looking to further seize control of the title race. More dropped points for Arsenal yesterday only strengthens Liverpool’s position with a game still in hand on their rivals. Things are rather less buoyant at Old Trafford at the moment with the arrival of Ruben Amorim not transforming Manchester United’s fortunes. The visitors have won just two league matches since he took over in November, with recent losses to Wolves and Newcastle illustrating the scale of the job on the Portuguese’s hands.
Follow all the latest news from Anfield in our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE
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Liverpool host Manchester United in Premier League | Kick-off 4.30pm live on Sky Sports
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Fixture to go ahead despite heavy overnight snow in the north of England
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Hosts top the league and welcome struggling rivals to Anfield
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Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
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Man Utd XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martínez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund
Liverpool FC – Manchester United FC
Line-ups
15:17 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.
Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Mainoo; Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Casemiro, Yoro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Team news
15:10 , Chris Wilson
Team news is imminent at Anfield. Does Ruben Amorim have a curveball up his sleeve to try and disrupt Liverpool’s planning? All will be revealed…
Recent meetings: Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd
15:00 , Chris Wilson
In March 2023, United travelled to Anfield having recently won the Carabao Cup, with manager Erik ten Hag having received plenty of praise for his supposed ‘turnaround’ of the club. However, the Dutchman was soon to endure one of the worst matches in United’s history.
Towards the end of a first half that was surprisingly even, the hosts struck first through Cody Gakpo to bring the game to life. From there, it was all downhill for United as Gakpo and Darwin Nunez added two more goals before the 50-minute mark in the second half.
In a match of comical defending and ridiculous goals, Mo Salah struck twice either side of Nunez’s second, before Bobby Firmino put the icing on the cake for home fans in the 88th minute to cap off a historic day at Anfield.
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer saga
14:45 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
Real Madrid made an initial approach for the right-back this week, which Liverpool rebuffed before the Champions League holders could even make a bid.
But Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and could leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has been able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since New Year’s Day and Real have made no secret of their interest in him.
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
Liverpool’s contract situations
14:30 , Chris Wilson
A reminder that Alexander-Arnold is now free to negotiate with other clubs as he has just six months left on his contract. Plenty of speculation surrounds the right-back, though another two key players are also in the middle of contract negotiations – Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Like Alexander-Arnold, Salah’s situation is receiving plenty of attention due to his on-field exploits and the appearance that the contract is no closer to being agreed.
Van Dijk’s situation appears a lot more easy to resolve, with many reports circulating that it is only a matter of time before the Dutchman agrees a new deal.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold concerns amid Real Madrid transfer interest
14:20 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot acknowled he has had conversations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back the subject of an initial enquiry from Real Madrid heading into the new year.
With the vice-captain out of contract in summer he’s now allowed to discuss terms with overseas clubs for a potential free transfer at the end of the season, though reports suggest the Spanish club could return with an offer to take him to Madrid this month.
That’s despite the Reds rejecting their initial conversations over a deal, amid an intention to continue negotiating over an extension for the England international.
Liverpool boss Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold concerns amid transfer interest
Manchester United make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update
14:05 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United have triggered their option to extend Harry Maguire’s contract to keep their former captain at Old Trafford until 2026.
Head coach Ruben Amorim, who said Amad Diallo is also close to agreeing an extended deal, said he was happy to tie Maguire down for another year but called on the centre back to be more of a leader.
Maguire joined United for £80m in 2019, a world-record fee for a defender, but was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag in 2023. But he worked his way back into the team last season, and with Amorim preferring to play a back three, he has started each of their last three games.
Man Utd make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update
Recent meetings: Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool
13:55 , Chris Wilson
Last season, United managed to scrape some decent results against their old rivals as the Jurgen Klopp era came to an end. A 2-2 draw in the league at Old Trafford came as Liverpool’s title challenge faded, but it was in the FA Cup where the Theatre of Dreams lived up to its name for home fans.
Klopp’s side travelled to Manchester as obvious favourites ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final tie in March, but United were ahead within 10 minutes thanks to Scott McTominay bundling in from close range.
From there though, the visitors dominated, with Alexis Mac Allister equalising and then Mo Salah giving them the lead before half-time. It looked like petering out into a simple win for Liverpool, before Antony struck in the 87th minute to force extra-time.
However, the Reds once again grabbed the lead through Harvey Elliott, before Marcus Rashford rifled in another equaliser and penalties loomed.
Nevertheless, there was time for one more twist in the tale, as United countered from a Liverpool corner and Garnacho laid it off to Amad Diallo, who squeezed in a shot across goal and past Kelleher to spark bedlam at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Manchester United exit
13:45 , Chris Wilson
Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro Leagueworth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, with the forward himself publicly stating he is now open to a new challenge. That has come amid new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for a series of games, as he begins plans to overhaul the team.
It is understood that Saudi Arabian clubs were the first to act on this, with three of them making offers that would involve wages in excess of Rashford’s £315,000-a-week contract at United. The player has already turned these down, and has made it known he is unwilling to move to Turkey, as he desires a move that would help to win back his England place in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit
Arne Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Manchester United
13:30 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed centre-back Joe Gomez is set to miss “a few weeks” after suffering an injury last time out – but also highlighted good news for the Premier League leaders on the fitness front with two other defenders set to return to full training.
The Reds sit top of the table and host out-of-form Manchester United on Sunday, with Slot facing something of a defensive problem with only five senior players available in the back line, two of which are left-backs.
Gomez had been partnering Virgil van Dijk in the middle of late, but a hamstring issue picked up against West Ham means he’ll miss at least a handful of fixtures this month.
Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Man United
Prediction
13:15 , Chris Wilson
As the odds suggest, it is difficult to see anything other than a convincing home win in this one. With Liverpool looking to extend their lead at the top and United looking incapable of keeping sides from scoring, it could get ugly for the visitors.
Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United.
Predicted line-ups
13:00 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.
Man Utd XI: Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Early team news
12:52 , Chris Wilson
For United, there are no new injury concerns after the loss to Newcastle, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount all remaining sidelined.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will return from suspension, and they will likely move straight into midfield after the disaster at Old Trafford earlier in the week.
It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford will be in the squad or perhaps even in the starting eleven, though the poor performances of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho in recent weeks do suggest that Ruben Amorim needs to try something different.
Early team news
12:45 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool’s only new injury concern is Joe Gomez, who limped off in the win over West Ham and will almost certainly miss this one, with Jarrell Quansah likely to replace him as Ibrahima Konate remains sidelined.
The Reds’ only other absentees are Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa, so it remains to be seen what Slot will opt for in midfield, with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai competing in the attacking roles.
Slot will also have to make a decision on whether to use Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez up top, having opted for the Colombian in the win over West Ham.
Is Liverpool vs Manchester United on TV?
12:30 , Chris Wilson
When is it?
Liverpool vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, 5 January at Anfield in Liverpool, England.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm.
If you do not have a Sky Sports subscription, you can buy a NOWTV day pass.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE
12:20 , Chris Wilson
So Liverpool will indeed face Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League this afternoon, with the Reds looking to extend their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side began the year six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand over the Gunners, though they will be aware that any slip up can be costly despite being overwhelming favourites for the title already.
But they will be supremely confident as they face a United side with just two league wins under new manager Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese having seen his side crumble to defeats against Newcastle, Wolves and Bournemouth in the last fortnight alone.
The 39-year-old admitted that United were potentially in a relegation battle as it stands, and it could well get worse before it gets better, with the Red Devils having started the weekend just seven points clear of the drop zone.
Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE
12:15 , Karl Matchett in Liverpool
“Well that’s a new one: the train conductor just announced over the tannoy that the match is indeed on.
“A few from London were cancelled earlier but for the most part it has looked relatively smooth for those making their way towards Anfield from different parts of the country.
“On the ground in the city, we’re advised snow fell overnight but there has been rain since, and it’s not heavy right now.
“Doubtless the ground staff will be hard at work for a few hours but there’s little reason to think we can look forward to anything other than another interesting meeting between these two old rivals.”
Liverpool confirm clash with Manchester United will go ahead
12:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned,” Liverpool have confirmed on X. “Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions.
“We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there.”
GAME ON! Liverpool vs Manchester United set to go ahead
12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The news from Anfield is that Liverpool vs Manchester United is set to go ahead despite heavy snow this morning.
Snow hits Liverpool ahead of Manchester United clash
11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just 15 minutes until that safety meeting, then. At this stage, the match is still set to go ahead as scheduled – though you can see just how heavy the fall was last night. This chap is eyeing a spot in Manchester United’s midfield, where he might add some mobility.
Ignore the “bizarre” penalty decision versus Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have bigger issues
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And while we wait for news from Anfield, here’s the story on that Arsenal draw at Brighton, where a controversial penalty decision rather distracted from the wider problems at play for Mikel Arteta’s men. Miguel Delaney was at the Amex:
Ignore the “bizarre” penalty decision, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have bigger issues
Liverpool could extend lead at top of table
11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
With Arsenal dropping more points yesterday, Liverpool could widen their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with victory this afternoon, provided, of course, the match goes ahead. Remember that they do still have that game in hand against Everton – it’s looking better and better for Arne Slot’s side even at this early stage.
Wider travel disruption expected across UK due to 30cm of snowfall
11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Chesterfield vs Gillingham postponed as snow hits the UK
10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The League Two fixture between Chesterfield and Gillingham has already been postponed this morning.
Chesterfield vs Gillingham postponed as snow hits the UK
Liverpool vs Manchester United in doubt
10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Liverpool, of course, have already had one fixture scuppered by the weather this season, with December’s Merseyside derby against Everton still to be played having fallen victim to Storm Darragh.
When could Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool be replayed?
Second safety meeting to be held ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester United
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Liverpool confirmed that a second safety meeting will be held at midday to determine if the fixture will go ahead.
“A safety meeting was held this morning to assess the weather and travel conditions for today’s fixture against Manchester United at Anfield,” Liverpool said in a statement. “At this stage the match is planned to go ahead as normal and every effort is being made to get the game on.
“A further safety meeting will take place again at midday to assess the latest conditions. We will update supporters just as soon as we can. Please take extra care out there, Reds.”
Will Liverpool vs Manchester United be postponed? Premier League fixture in doubt after snow hits UK
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The clash between Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United may be in doubt after heavy snow hit the United Kingdom overnight.
An amber weather warning is in place across much of the north of England for snow and ice, with temperatures falling below freezing.
Runways at both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport were closed on Sunday morning due to the snowfall.
Will Liverpool vs Man Utd be postponed due to snow?
Liverpool vs Manchester United in doubt after snow
09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Good morning. We are very much hoping to have live Premier League action to bring you later this afternoon with league leaders Liverpool hosting struggling rivals Manchester United at Anfield, but heavy overnight snow has put the fixture into a degree of doubt.
We’ll have all the latest updates throughout the morning as authorities decide whether the match has to be postponed.
Read the full article here
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