Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney makes prediction for Liverpool fixture

Manchester United’s all-time leading goal-scorer and current manager of MLS outfit DC United, Wayne Rooney, predicted the score-line for the fixture between Liverpool and his old team.

Writing in his column for The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t Liverpool Echo], he claimed that the Newton Heath club will certainly have a “reaction” after their abysmal opening two gameweeks. Presently, United are dead last on the table with two losses, and only an own-goal to credit for their goals scored.

Rooney sees United ‘snatch a draw’ or lose by ‘the odd goal’ but doesn’t see The Red Devils walk back into the tunnel after 90 minutes winning the game. When a club legend of his status has to publicly admit that he doesn’t see his former team beating their arch-rivals, then it is a clear indication things are certainly topsy turvy at M16.

Having played for Everton and United in the past, one can imagine how much Rooney would dislike the Reds. For him to say that we won’t lose to the Red Devils is a fascinating claim.

“Play like they did against Brentford, and United will suffer an even worse result than their 5-0 defeat by Liverpool last season. I don’t expect that to happen, by the way — I can’t see United winning, but I believe there’ll be a reaction and they’ll lose by the odd goal, or even snatch a draw.”

Both teams are not in the best of forms coming into this fixture, United especially; coming off a 4-0 away loss at Brentford. Liverpool on the other hand, are winless from their opening two games, drawing on each occasion; against Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Rooney, who has scored seven goals and four assists against the Reds in 30 appearances, also controversially claimed to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.

“I wouldn’t play Cristiano Ronaldo, and I wouldn’t play Marcus Rashford.”

There is a lot of speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his future at Manchester United and amidst that, him not starting against Liverpool is a possibility as well. Rooney also added that Erik ten Hag needs “energy” from his side when they play Liverpool.

Liverpool have had a good recent past against Manchester United, last losing to them in the league in 2018. Even last season, the Reds had a wonderful aggregate of 9-0 over their North-West rivals.

Jurgen Klopp’s men would be without the services of their marquee signing Darwin Nunez after he picked a red card against Crystal Palace in the last fixture.

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The Merseysiders would hope to get back on winning terms as soon as possible, starting with their game against Manchester United and also continue their good form vs their arch-rivals for the longest time possible. Post Old Trafford, Liverpool travel back to Anfield to play successive home games vs Bournemouth and Newcastle United.