Manchester United are fifth and a huge distance behind both Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League this season, though Ralf Rangnick insists that closing the gap on the division’s top two is not ‘rocket science'.

As things currently stand, United can still secure a spot for top 4 but require a 100% team effort to achieve the heist with Tottenham Hotspurs, Arsenal, and West Ham lurking.

The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool goes as far back as decades but Manchester United have been at the weaker end of the tie as the Red Devils have registered just a win in their last 5 Premier League games against the Reds.

United have also conceded 9 goals in their last two games against Liverpool while scoring just 2.

Liverpool hosting United makes it even more difficult for the Manchester-based club as they have not registered a victory in the last 5 games at Anfield.

It becomes a bigger problem with Cristiano Ronaldo set to miss the tie as a result of an unfortunate incident with his child.

The 37-year-old has been the Red Devils leading scorer this season with 25 goals across all competitions. This is even more impressive, knowing the forward has 2 Premier League hattricks this season.

Though Bruno Fernandes was involved in an accident recently, Ragnick has declared the midfielder fit and in contention For the tie.

Defensively, the fifth-placed team have struggled. They rank 10th amongst least goals conceded with 44 goals, 14th in tackles won, rank bottom 3 in interceptions and have just 7 clean sheets to their name despite David De Gea making 107 saves this season.

Liverpool also have a Premier League top spot at stake as they are just a point behind defending champions Manchester City with the Reds having a much tougher schedule in comparison to Manchester City. At this juncture every point counts.

Attacking-wise Liverpool are any side Premier League do not want to face. Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Sadio Mane have a combined 48 goals this season. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson having 22 assists between the full-back pair.

Stopping the Reds looks impossible at the moment with Raphael Varane out due to an injury.