Despite the contemporary form and results, it was, has been, and probably will always be one of the greatest English derbies.At least, that’s the source of Manchester United fans’ inspiration for the upcoming clash with Liverpool, which comes at anything but a perfect moment for the Red Devils.After dropping out of the Champions League and a series of deplorable results in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag’s boys are approaching the Sunday derby with many reasons for fear. Historically the biggest English derby is around the corner and the form of the two could not be more differentThe fact they lost their last two trips to Anfield 4-0 and 7-0, respectively, adds even more sauce to it.That’s why the Dutch tactician emphasizes the importance of psychology and out-of-the-pitch issues ahead of this important game.Ten Hag insists he can use the carrot and the stick with his players when responding to a question about Marcus Rashford, whose form has fallen away this season.”I think any player almost, sometimes it’s arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the ass,” said Ten Hag.”And it makes a difference in the management. Which approach are you taking, a kick in the ass or an arm around the shoulder.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7744865##United’s 7-0 defeat at Anfield in March was the low point of Ten Hag’s reign so far, with his team disintegrating after a promising start to the game, conceding all seven goals after the 43rd minute.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 17Friday Nott.Forest – Tottenham 0-2 (0-1)/Richarlison 45+2, Kulusevski 65/Saturday Bournemouth – Luton 1-1 (0-1) ABANDONED/Solanke 58 – Adebayo 3/*Abandoned due to serious injury of a player*Chelsea – Sheffield Utd 2-0 (0-0)/Palmer 54, Jackson 61/Newcastle – Fulham 3-0 (0-0)/Miley 57, Almiron 64, Burn 82/Man.City – Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-0)/Grealish 24, Lewis 54 – Mateta 76, Olise 90+5 pen/Burnley – Everton 0-2 (0-2)/Onana 19, Keane 25/Sunday17.00: (1.50) Arsenal (4.50) Brighton (7.25)17.00: (3.25) Brentford (3.45) Aston Villa (2.20)17.00: (2.25) West Ham (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.40)19.30: (1.35) Liverpool (5.30) Man.Utd. (8.00)***odds are subject to change***
