**BREAKING NEWS**: From Anfield, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has urged Slot to field Liverpool’s £37 million “livewire” instead of Chiesa for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United. Carragher emphasized the importance of starting the star player in Sunday’s match at Old Trafford. He stated, “This is a massive game. He needs to be in the lineup against Manchester United—he’s been underrated and has the potential to change the course of the game, much like Trossard did for Arsenal. If he isn’t included in the starting eleven, it suggests either the coach isn’t the right fit or there’s a clear intent to concede the match to Liverpool. This is a significant game, and Jamie warns that the player must start.”

So far, Arne Slot has had a successful start to Liverpool’s Premier League season, with the team winning both of their opening games and not conceding any goals. However, their upcoming match at Old Trafford represents one of the season’s toughest challenges.

Manchester United, despite a shaky start to the season, will be eager to overcome their early struggles as they face their arch-rivals in one of Europe’s most iconic derbies. Both clubs are looking to gain an important early-season boost from this high-stakes game.

With Arsenal having dropped points at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool has the opportunity to capitalize on this and secure an advantage, while also aiming to silence the famously passionate Old Trafford crowd.

Liverpool Team News
Liverpool’s summer transfer activity has been relatively modest, with Federico Chiesa being the standout addition, arriving this week for an initial £10 million. Although his signing is notable, Slot has confirmed that Chiesa will not be participating in this match. The winger will use the international break to integrate into the team and regain full match fitness.

Curtis Jones is currently Liverpool’s only injury concern. While Chiesa is not anticipated to make his debut just yet, another winger who could play a crucial role in this match is Mohamed Salah.

Mohamed Salah’s Record Against Manchester United

Mohamed Salah is undeniably one of the Premier League’s top goal-scorers. Since his transfer from Roma to Liverpool for £34 million, Salah has accumulated an impressive tally of 213 goals and 90 assists in 351 appearances. His career has been decorated with numerous trophies and awards, cementing his status as one of the league’s greatest forwards.

At 32, Salah has begun the season strongly under Slot’s management, scoring and assisting in Liverpool’s opening win against Ipswich Town and netting again last weekend against Brentford. Given his outstanding record against Manchester United, it’s highly plausible that he will add to his goal count in this fixture.

Mohamed Salah: Record Against Manchester United
– **Premier League**: 13 appearances, 11 goals, 4 assists
– **FA Cup**: 2 appearances, 3 goals

Although Chiesa may not yet be ready to make an impact in England, Mohamed Salah will be a crucial asset for Liverpool, showcasing his trademark flair and finishing prowess that have distinguished him as one of the top forwards of his era. However, Salah might not be the only influential winger in this match—Luis Diaz also has the potential to play a significant role.

Why Luis Diaz Could Be the Difference-MakerLuis Diaz, who arrived at Liverpool from Porto in a £37 million transfer, had a mixed 2023/24 season but remained an important part of the squad. He scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating solid contributions but with potential for further impact.

Diaz is renowned for his rapid footwork and tireless work ethic, making him a crucial component of Liverpool’s squad. If he maintains the form he showed last weekend against Brentford, he could be poised for his best season yet with the Reds. Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo rated Diaz 8/10 for his performance, commending his direct approach, goal-scoring prowess, and significant contribution to the second goal.

Luis Diaz: Premier League Form Comparison
| **Stats** | **2023/24** | **2024/25** |
| — | — | — |
| Matches (starts) | 37 (32) | 2 (2) |
| Goals | 8 | 1 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
| Touches per game | 43.8 | 47.0 |
| Shots (on target) | 2.5 (0.9) | 3.0 (1.0) |
| Big chances missed | 13 | 1 |
| Pass completion | 85% | 92% |
| Key passes per game | 1.8 | 3.5 |
| Dribbles per game | 1.8 | 3.0 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.4 | 5.0 |
| Total duels won | 4.6 | N/A |

Even though the season is still young, Luis Diaz, often described as a “livewire” by journalist Peter Hall, is showing notable improvement, particularly in his success in duels and dribbling. His heightened combativeness and ball-carrying ability have been pivotal to his performances.

Given Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities highlighted in their recent loss to Brighton, Diaz’s qualities could prove particularly troublesome. His speed, dribbling skills, and relentless pressing could pose significant challenges for United’s defense.

As Liverpool embarks on a new chapter under Slot, the impact of players like Diaz and Salah will be vital. If they can sustain their impressive form, Liverpool has a strong chance of overcoming their major rivals in what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.