Paul Scholes has made an early call on the upcoming Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield — and Reds fans will be hoping his words prove accurate.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, head into the October 19 clash having suffered three consecutive defeats, a run that has exposed some concerning weaknesses in Arne Slot’s side. Yet, despite their current slump, the Reds remain strong at home and will face a Manchester United team that has been equally inconsistent this season.
Ruben Amorim’s men managed to climb into the top half of the table after a narrow victory over Sunderland, but their struggles away from Old Trafford continue to be a major issue. United have picked up just one point on the road this season, and remarkably, it has been nearly a decade since their last win at Anfield.
### Scholes Expresses Concern for United’s Trip to Anfield
Speaking on *The Overlap Fan Debate*, former United midfielder Paul Scholes admitted his concerns about the fixture, suggesting that a draw would be a positive result for his former club.
“Ruben Amorim needs to try and get something from Liverpool at Anfield,” Scholes said. “I’d just be thinking about drawing the game and finding a way somehow to stop them from scoring.
“That’s a totally different mentality from Arsenal or other teams competing for the title, but United are in such a rut right now. I can’t remember the last time they won a big game — maybe against City last year. You’ve just got no confidence that they’ll get a result at Anfield. It’s almost predictable that they’ll go there and get beaten.”
Scholes’ comments reflect the growing gap in confidence between the two clubs. Once fierce title rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United now find themselves on very different trajectories — with the Reds still viewed as favorites despite their dip in form.
### A Fixture That Often Defies Logic
While the form guide strongly favors Liverpool — who boast a perfect home record this season — recent history between the two sides has produced some unexpected results. United managed to secure draws on their previous two visits to Anfield, even during campaigns where Liverpool finished significantly higher in the table. Ironically, in the season that saw Liverpool thrash United 7–0 under Jurgen Klopp, the Red Devils ended up finishing above them.
That unpredictability means this fixture often transcends form or statistics. However, Scholes’ cautious outlook reveals much about Manchester United’s current state and the shifting balance of power in English football’s fiercest rivalry.
If Liverpool can rediscover their rhythm and deliver a complete 90-minute performance — something that has eluded them in recent weeks — they should have enough quality to overcome Amorim’s side.
The international break may have come at a good time for Arne Slot’s men, giving them a chance to reset. A victory over their greatest rivals would not only reignite their title challenge but also lift the mood across Merseyside, restoring belief and momentum just when it’s needed most.
