Paul Ince names two matches Manchester United got lucky in ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester United were lucky in wins against Wolves and Aston Villa, according to Paul Ince. The Red Devils have recently climbed to the top of the Premier League table, overcoming a difficult start to the season in the process. And they’ll be looking to open up a six-point lead at the summit when they lock horns with Liverpool on Sunday.

Few gave United a chance of winning the title at the start of the season.

Defeats to the likes of Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tipped for the sack, with links to Mauricio Pochettino intense.

But, since then, the Norwegian has turned things around.

United are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in the top flight and currently sit three points ahead of Liverpool ahead of their blockbuster showdown at Anfield on Sunday.

Ince thinks the Red Devils can cause a major upset on Merseyside – but also believes they’ve been lucky to pick up wins over Villa and Wolves.

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“United are not thrashing teams, they were fortunate against Wolves, the Aston Villa game could have gone either way, but they are winning games and will go to Anfield confident of getting the win.”

Jamie Carragher thinks it’s a bigger game for Liverpool than United, saying: “I actually think it’s a bigger game for Liverpool.

“The onus is more on them.

“If United got a result there, that’s when the belief would come that they could win the league.

“I still think people think United may fall away and Liverpool have still got that edge, but if they won at Anfield that would send shockwaves through the Premier League.

“It’s a game where Liverpool need to show they are the champions, they are the better team, get the result and also a performance that puts Manchester United back where they are.”

Carragher also thinks Liverpool won’t change their approach, with the former Reds star adding: “I don’t think Manchester United have ever really hurt Liverpool with the counter-attack at Anfield, like they have done against Manchester City in the past.

“There is no doubting the devastating effect United could have on the counter, especially with Liverpool’s problems at centre-back and questions over whether Joel Matip will be back there.

“But I don’t think Liverpool will change, if you look at their record at home, they have dominated for the last three years.”

United and Liverpool have met three times since Solskjaer took over.

In February 2019, the two teams played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford – on an afternoon where three Red Devils players limped off before half time.

In the same fixture last season, United were held to a 1-1 draw with Adam Lallana cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s goal.

Liverpool won the last contest, however, beating the Red Devils 2-0 at Anfield with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah on target.