Notable statistics before Liverpool vs Man United match
Premier League leaders Liverpool go into this game five points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Man United are in 14th place, after losing 0-2 to Newcastle, thereby facing the problem of avoiding relegation.
In Premier League history, four teams ranked 14th at the beginning of the year were relegated: Newcastle (2008-2009), Burnley (2009-2010), Norwich City (2013-2014), Leeds United (2022-2023).
Amorim have warned their players they could be relegated if they do not shake off last month's form, which saw them lose six games in all competitions. That is the most they have suffered in a month since they suffered seven in September 1930.
Man United have lost their last three Premier League matches.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have won their last three Premier League games, scoring a total of 14 goals. The last time they had a longer winning streak, scoring three or more goals in each game, was in February-March 2014 (six games in a row).
Arne Slot's side are in fearsome form, with Mohamed Salah leading the line, having been involved in 14 Premier League goals (7 goals, 7 assists) in December 2024 - four more than any other player (Alexander Isak, 10).
Despite the uncertainty over his future at Liverpool, Salah is in the best form of his career. He has been directly involved in 39 Premier League goals in 2024, scoring 23 and assisting 16.
The Egyptian has been involved in 30 Premier League goals this season (17 goals, 13 assists), scoring and assisting in eight different games, which is already the highest ever tally by a player in a single season.
Salah also has a remarkable record against United, scoring more goals (12) and providing more assists (6) against the Red Devils than any other player in Premier League history.
But it's not just Salah who's been shining for Liverpool. Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have also been in fine form, scoring 12 and 11 goals respectively this season, while Diogo Jota returned from injury and scored in the 5-0 win over West Ham last time out.
Amorim will have to work hard to get United back on track. If they are to get results, United must tighten up their defence. They conceded 18 goals in all competitions in December, their most in a single month since March 1964 (18).
One good omen for United is that Liverpool - who beat Newcastle 4-2 in their first outing of 2024 - have failed to win their first game of the new year - in consecutive years since the 2013-14 season.
Head to head record Liverpool and Man Utd
This is the first time Liverpool and Manchester United have faced each other in the first match of the calendar year since 1989, when the Red Devils won 3-1 at Old Trafford on New Year's Day.
United have scored just one goal in their last eight Premier League away games against Liverpool, failing to score in their last five.
United have not won any of their last eight away games against Liverpool (D4 L4), their longest run since failing to win any of their nine meetings at Anfield between 1970 and 1979.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games against United (W7 D5), losing 1-2 at Old Trafford in August 2022.
Following Liverpool's 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the first leg in September 2024, Slot could become only the second Liverpool manager to win both legs of the tie against United in his first season in charge of the club, after George Kay in 1936-37.
The Liverpool vs Man United match will take place at 11:30 p.m. on January 5.