Liverpool are going to have to rely on Alexander Isak to pose their biggest goal threat as they prepare to face Manchester United without Mohamed Salah.
Salah has made a habit of scoring against Liverpool‘s biggest rivals, hitting 16 goals while facing them with the Reds. 10 of those have come away from home at Old Trafford.
But while Liverpool have confirmed that the departing Egyptian will play again this season, Sunday’s clash is likely to come far too soon for him, with the onus placed on Isak instead.
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Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford (Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan
Unfortunately, though he scored a morale-boosting first goal back from injury on Saturday, the No. 9’s record against United could not be more different to Salah’s.
Isak struggles to find the net against Man United
His majestic touch-and-turn finish against Crystal Palace on Saturday sent a timely reminder to Liverpool fans about the quality Isak possesses.
They should not have needed telling again having seen the Swede torture their team numerous times while with Newcastle, but it’s safe to say that United fans will not have the same fear of Isak.
Including his appearance for Liverpool during the 2-1 defeat against the Red Devils earlier this season, the 26-year-old has now played nine times against them.
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Manchester United FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
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As he readies himself to hit double figures on Sunday, Isak is still stuck on only one goal against United.
That includes two blanks in the Europa League for Real Sociedad, and five in the Premier League for Newcastle.
More encouragingly, Isak’s one goal against Sunday’s opponents came on his most recent visit to Old Trafford, when he scored a header to give Newcastle the lead in a 2-0 win in December 2024.
The British record transfer holder also notched an assist in the return match at St James’ Park last April, which is the only goal he’s set up against United so far. His record may be poor, but at least it is improving.
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Nevertheless, as they head to Salford without the man who was such a dependable source of goals in recent years, Isak’s lack of goals against the old enemy should be a concern to Liverpool.
They are going to have to get used to facing each and every one of their rivals without Salah, though, and Sunday would be a great time for Isak to establish himself as Liverpool’s new United killer.
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