This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
October 17, 2019, marked a significant day in the Premier League as Liverpool, the current leaders, prepared to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Reds have a 100% record in the Premier League, while United have struggled, with just two league wins this season and a 12th-place position, 15 points behind their arch-rivals.
United's woes are compounded by the potential absence of goalkeeper David De Gea, who picked up a groin injury on international duty with Spain. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated, 'David needs a scan. I think he'll be out. It certainly looked like it anyway…so it's just one of those things.'
Argentine Sergio Romero is expected to stand in for De Gea, who will face a daunting task against Liverpool's potent attack. French midfielder Paul Pogba has not yet recovered fully from his ankle injury, but there is better news on the fitness of forward Anthony Martial and full backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
United's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata believes the clash with their old rivals offers an opportunity to kick-start the season. 'We have a great chance to change the dynamic and we are all very motivated to take the win. We are United, we are playing at home and we will give everything to be able to take the victory that our fans deserve in such a special game,' Mata said.
Meanwhile, other Premier League matches include Manchester City's tricky trip to Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur's attempt to bounce back against winless Watford, and Leicester City's home match against Burnley.
