Arne Slot has slipped into Jurgen Klopp's shoes with the minimum of fuss at Liverpool but the first major test of his reign comes at Old Trafford in a Premier League clash of the titans with Manchester United.
Klopp's farewell tour last term hit the skids after his in-form side lost in the FA Cup at the Theatre of Dreams then followed it up with a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in the league just a few weeks later.
Liverpool fell away in the title race after that and it's a big ask for Slot to come in and mount another challenge for the crown straight away, with the Reds a distant third in the betting for the Premier League title.
He has kicked with 2-0 wins over Ipswich and Brentford but taking on Manchester United away from home is a different proposition, even though Erik ten Hag's side remain a work in progress.
A surprise FA Cup Final win over Manchester City kept Ten Hag in his job and he has been heavily backed in the transfer market once more. But last week's late defeat at Brighton shows they remain fragile and United need a statement win to prove they can be top-four contenders again.
How the bookies view it: United look overpriced
I'm surprised to see Manchester United as big as 5/2 with home advantage at Betfred, even though their form has been flaky. Liverpool are odds-on at 10/11 and the draw pays 3/1.
Recent head to head: Red Devils had the edge last term
Since a 7-0 mauling at Anfield in March last year, Manchester United have gone three games unbeaten in this fixture. Both league meetings ended in draws last term and the thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win for Ten Hag's side came in extra-time after another 90-minute stalemate.
Players to watch: Mo's back for more
Liverpool's Mo Salah loves this fixture and has netted an incredible 14 times against Manchester United for the Anfield giants. He has started this season with two goals from two games and looks good value at 6/5 for anytime scorer.
Bruno Fernandes has played as a false nine in Manchester United's first two league games but Ten Hag might be tempted to play new Joshua Zirkzee from the start here. Even if Fernandes drops back into midfield he will still be a goal threat and the Portuguese star is 23/10 to score.
Probable line-ups
Both teams could add some new faces on deadline day but I'd be surprised if any late signings were pitched in from the start in such a big game. Mason Mount was injured in United's loss to Brighton and will sit this one out while Curtis Jones is a doubt for Liverpool.
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo, Rashford, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Liverpool: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Diaz, Salah, Jota.
Anything else catch the eye?
We saw 4-2 and 2-2 thrillers between these sides at Old Trafford last season but I've a feeling this game will be more cagey as Slot isn't as gung-ho in his approach as Klopp. Under 2.5 goals is priced at a decent 7/4 with Betfred while betting against BTTS pays the same price.
Kobbie Mainoo always gets stuck in for Manchester United and the 13/8 available at Bet365 for the youngster to commit over 1.5 fouls looks good.
Manchester United new boy Noussair Mazraoui is tasting the madness of this fixture for the first time and that makes him a good candidate for a card at 13/5 with Berfred.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool will be played on Sep 1, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
