Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are set for a big test on Sunday as they face Liverpool at Anfield.
United have scored in every single game since the World Cup break, but they take on opponents on a run of four Premier League games without conceding a goal. Fan behaviour has been an issue in recent meetings between the two great rivals, prompting words of warning ahead of the clash.
Away from the pitch, there are updates on the futures of two players, one of whom has been linked with a move to United and one potentially in line for a switch away from Old Trafford. Here are the latest Manchester United headlines.
Managers issue joint statement
Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp have put rivalries aside ahead of Manchester United's trip to Anfield on Sunday. The words come after matches have been overshadowed by chants about tragedies - including Munich, Heysel and Hillsborough - which have affected United and Liverpool in the past.
"The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the greatest in world football," Ten Hag's part of the statement reads. 'We all love the passion of the fans when our teams meet, but there are lines that should not be crossed.
"It is unacceptable to use the loss of life — in relation to any tragedy — to score points, and it is time for it to stop. Those responsible tarnish not only the reputation of our clubs but also, importantly, the reputation of themselves, the fans, and our great cities.
"On behalf of myself, our players, and our staff, we ask our fans to focus on supporting the team on Sunday, and representing our club in the right way."
Maguire's second chance
Does Harry Maguire have a long-term Manchester United future? Have your say in the comments section.
Erik ten Hag's comments about Harry Maguire point to the Manchester United captain being able to fulfil various roles at Old Trafford. It is a positive change around the former Leicester man, who had been linked with a summer exit but appears to have a future under Ten Hag.
"It is my way of playing, or our way, and it is better. I prefer to have a player with a lot of initiative [at right centre-back] and when you are left-footed, you have better angles [at left centre-back]," the manager said.
"Harry can play on the left but right is obviously much better and today [versus West Ham] we have seen that. He had a good performance, he took initiative in and out of possession, and so he was dominating in defence but in offence he had some really good moments."
De Jong staying put
Frenkie de Jong is not interested in leaving Barcelona, despite continued reports of interest from Manchester United, it has been claimed. The Dutch midfielder played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax but a reunion at Old Trafford last year failed to materialise.
Ten Hag is keen to bolster United's midfield ranks this summer, with De Jong said to be at the top of his list. Scott McTominay has been linked with a summer exit while Marcel Sabitzer's arrival from Bayern Munich in January was only on loan.
According to reports in Spain, De Jong has no plans of joining a club who agreed a fee with Barcelona over a potential big-money swoop in the summer of 2022. However, Barca need to drastically reduce their salary outgoings ahead of next season if they are to make new signings.
