Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has claimed that Liverpool is the first game he looks for when the Premier League fixtures come out.
“No, of course, the first fixture you look for in the Premier League is against Liverpool, followed by Manchester City,” he said.
“So it’s big games, it’s big rivalries. We know what it means to the fans. We know it’s a friendly as well and it’s our first game. I’m sure there are going to be lots of changes going into the game, as we’re working on our fitness, but we want to win the football match.”
So, the day has arrived, the football is finally back! Six-and-a-bit weeks after Liverpool’s hearts were broken in the Champions League final, there’s the chance to start afresh.
For United, that feeling of freshness is even more prevalent. After finishing outside the top four last season, they’re now under new management heading into 2022/23.
Whether Erik ten Hag can reverse the fortunes of last season or not won’t be answered this afternoon in Bangkok. But it might give a glimpse into how to expect the new United to set up.
Liverpool made light work of their eternal rivals last season, astonishingly racking up a 9-0 scoreline between the two Premier League games.
Of course, the two teams on display here will be a lot different to those humiliations. That might actually help United, who, despite what Maguire says, must be dreading seeing Jurgen Klopp’s men again.
It’s difficult to know what to expect from these friendly games. The opponent today does hopefully mean there may be a little extra intensity than usual, though.
Above all, it’ll just be great to see The Reds back in action again. One or two new face may also be seen for the first time. The result is largely immaterial, but it’d be nice to send United an early reminder of just how far they have to go to catch us.