The build-up to one of English football’s fiercest rivalries has already taken a fiery turn. With the Premier League set to resume after the international break, all attention is now on the showdown between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. And just days before kickoff, Paul Scholes, one of Manchester United’s most iconic midfielders, has issued a brutally honest assessment of his former club’s chances — and it doesn’t make for pleasant reading for Red Devils supporters.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ “The Overlap Fan Debate” alongside Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, Scholes did not hold back as he predicted another painful night for United. His tone, somber yet sincere, reflected a growing concern among Old Trafford loyalists. “Liverpool will win. It’s almost predictable at this point,” Scholes declared. “United are in such a rut, and I can’t remember the last time they won a big game. There’s no confidence, no spark, and no belief. Going to Anfield right now feels like walking into a storm.”
Scholes’ warning comes at a crucial moment for both sides. Liverpool, now under new head coach Arne Slot, are enduring their own turbulence following three losses in their last five Premier League outings — including a gut-wrenching 2-1 stoppage-time defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Once a dominant, high-pressing machine, Slot’s side has appeared vulnerable, conceding cheap goals and losing their cutting edge in transition.
Yet Scholes insists that Liverpool’s struggles might actually fuel their comeback, especially against a wounded Manchester United. “This is exactly the kind of fixture that wakes Liverpool up,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “You can almost sense it — the atmosphere, the energy at Anfield. When a team like United walks in out of form, Liverpool smell blood.”
For Arne Slot, the pressure is undeniable. Tasked with sustaining the momentum left behind by Jürgen Klopp, the Dutchman has faced challenges adapting to England’s intense schedule. His tactical shift — deploying Mohamed Salah closer to midfield in a narrow front three — has sparked mixed results. Salah, who has netted just three goals this season, is now under scrutiny, with Liverpool legend Danny Murphy describing him as a “little problem” in the current setup. Murphy’s criticism reflects a growing sentiment that Slot’s high defensive line and altered attacking roles may be blunting the Egyptian’s usual brilliance.
Even so, Liverpool remain a formidable force at home. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League matches at Anfield, and Scholes believes that record will continue. “Liverpool’s intensity at home is unmatched. Once they score early, it’s over,” he said. “I don’t see United having the character to respond.”
Meanwhile, over at Old Trafford, Rúben Amorim continues to grapple with the enormous challenge of restoring Manchester United’s identity. The Portuguese tactician, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November, has shown flashes of improvement — particularly in defense — but consistency remains elusive. United’s recent 2-0 victory over Sunderland offered momentary relief, yet their overall campaign has been underwhelming.
Currently sitting ninth in the table with just 10 points from nine matches, Amorim’s side has looked devoid of creativity. Despite the signing of promising center-back Leny Yoro for £60 million and the continued emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, United’s attack still sputters, averaging less than one expected goal per match. “We’re addressing the rut,” Amorim admitted after the Sunderland game. “But in big matches, we’ve lost the sense of fearlessness that used to define Manchester United.”
Scholes agrees, lamenting what he calls a “mentality crisis” at the club. “When you compare United’s mindset to teams like Arsenal or City, you see the difference immediately,” he explained. “Liverpool and City go into every big game expecting to win. United go in hoping not to lose. That’s not the United I knew.”
The upcoming clash at Anfield, therefore, is more than just another Premier League fixture — it’s a battle of identity and pride. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to reclaim their rhythm and silence critics who believe Slot’s reign may already be faltering. For Manchester United, it’s an opportunity to prove that they are not, as Scholes put it, “predictably doomed.”
Despite his harsh words, Scholes still holds hope that Amorim can turn things around. “He’s a smart manager,” Scholes said. “He’s trying to build structure and resilience. But unless these players find heart — the same heart we used to play with — results won’t change. Anfield doesn’t forgive weakness.”
With the stakes high and emotions rising, the Northwest Derby promises another explosive chapter in English football’s most storied rivalry. The fans are ready, the managers are under pressure, and the players know that one result could define their seasons.
As Scholes summed it up perfectly: “Anfield will be red-hot, Liverpool will be ruthless, and Manchester United must decide — fight or fade.”
