Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has tipped Manchester United to beat Liverpool on Monday night despite their "shocking" start to the season.
United have lost both of their first two games, falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion before shipping four first-half goals at Brentford. They also lost both league games against Liverpool last season, including a 5-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Another defeat would pile even more pressure on Erik ten Hag, who will be unable to call upon new signing Casemiro for the visit of last season's runners-up. However, Redknapp is backing the hosts to pull off a surprise victory.
"Everyone seems to think it is a case of how many," Redknapp wrote for The Sun. "They’re talking of a three, four or five-goal win for Liverpool.
"You’ll struggle to find anyone tipping anything but an away victory. But, for me, that puts United in a no-lose situation — and I certainly don’t think they will lose at Old Trafford tomorrow night."
The former Tottenham and West Ham boss pointed to Liverpool's own underwhelming form when suggesting the hosts have a chance. Still, he recognised a lot will come down to the home side's team selection.
Jurgen Klopp's men have only picked up two points from their own two games, and will be without some key players on Monday. Darwin Nunez will serve the first game of a three-match ban after being sent off against Crystal Palace, while the injury list includes the likes of Diogo Jota and Thiago.
"Ten Hag has to pick 11 players who are ready to give everything. And if they do, Old Trafford will be on fire," Redknapp continued.
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"United lack someone to run the game, be a leader, make them play... and they’ve been very easy to play against.
"There’s no better place or time to change that than against Liverpool at Old Trafford and they have to be fired up to fight for their lives. And you know what? I think they will."
Ten Hag is still pushing for more signings, and further additions could be made to his squad before transfer deadline day. For the time being, though, what's most important is for the current squad to follow his instructions.
"I have made my thoughts clear on those performances to the players in private, and it is clear that we have to do much better against Liverpool," the manager said. “That means following plans and making better decisions at key moments in the game.
"Most importantly, it means at least matching the opposition's effort and desire to win. We know that there is a lot of work to do to reach the standards we all expect of Manchester United."
