Manchester United vs Liverpool - International Champions Cup: Fierce rivals go head-to-head in Miami

Is this a meaningless friendly or a an early indicator for next season?

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 05 August 2014 04:22 EDT
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Louis van Gaal watches his Manchester United squad from the dug-out during the pre-season win over Roma
Louis van Gaal watches his Manchester United squad from the dug-out during the pre-season win over Roma (Getty Images)

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Will a game between these two ever really be meaningless? England's two most storied clubs meet in Miami to fight it out over the 'International Champions Cup'.

The trophy may be nothing more than a marketing tool for fans in the US but these two will not be shy when they meet each other at Sun Life Stadium.

Liverpool currently own bragging rights after last season's dismal season under David Moyes, but with a new manager United are full of new optimism.

Louis van Gaal has introduced the 3-5-2 that took the Netherlands all the way to the World Cup semi-final and so far it is reaping rewards for Manchester United. They have won all four of their pre-season matches so far, one of those on penalties, turning in highly impressive performances against Real Madrid and Roma, especially.

Ashley Young looks like a new man in a wing back position, while Ander Herrera looks like the answer United fans have been waiting for in central midfield.

After the despair and misery of life under Moyes, the whole squad looks renewed and ready to really challenge for at least a Champions League spot next season.

Liverpool appear to have taken a step back this summer. The sale of Luis Suarez was always likely to have a major impact on this team, but Brendan Rodgers has faced criticism for the replacements he has elected to bring in.

Much like Spurs attempted to do after losing Gareth Bale, Rodgers appears to be trying to replace Suarez by committee rather than by bringing in a direct, world class replacement; we all know how that went for Andre Villas-Boas.

Despite coming second last season, Liverpool drew a lot of criticism for their lack of defensive discipline and the attacking talents of Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Co bailed them out on many occassions - they don't appear to have that this season.

Liverpool have put in a mixed bag of performances so far this pre-season, with wins over Olympiacos, Manchester City and AC Milan, but defeats to Roma and Brondby.

At first glance this is just another meaningless pre-season friendly in a far off land, but scratch beneath the surface and this game could tell us a lot about the Premier League season to come.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 1.30am

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Manchester United 0 Liverpool 3 (Gerrard (pen 34, pen 46), Suarez 84), Premier League, March 2014

Manchester United 1 (Hernandez 46) Liverpool 0, League Cup, September 2013

Liverpool 1 (Sturridge 4) Manchester United 0, Premier League, September 2013

ODDS:

Manchester United to win: 11/10

Liverpool to win: 12/5

Draw: 5/2

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH:

England's most storied rivalry... too difficult to choose.

TV: Live on MUTV from 00.30am

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