5 things Manchester United need to do to defeat Liverpool

Manchester United will host their fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday.United are starting to pick up some momentumand their last game saw them record a resounding 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Bothclubs have had contrasting fortunes this year.Liverpool havelookedmuch stronger than the previous few seasons,bolstered by the prolific strike partnership of Suarez and Sturridge. Manchester United on the other hand,are having a horrible season under David Moyes who needs to make a lot of changes, both personnel wise and tactics wise to ensure that United come out of this crisis of theirs. Even though United are not the sameteam they were last term, they still hold enough to win againsttheir arch-rivals. Here are 5 ways by whichManchester United can defeat Liverpool and close the gap to 4th place.

#1 Juan Mata to be given a free role

The Spaniard is still finding his feet with his new team but has notched up 3 assists in his first three games for the Red Devils. Mata played behind the striker in his debut match against Cardiff City but has been deployed on the right after that which is a bit uncomfortable for him. The 25-year-old was very involved in the match against West Brom, constantly drifting around in midfield, exchaging passes with Rooney and Fellaini. He also showed the presence of mind to track back during one West Brom attack, as his intervention prevented the forward from getting a clear look at goal.

Moyes has tweaked his tactics recently, providing Mata more of a free role, and has given Fellaini more of a box-to-box role, while Carrick shields the defence. This allows the wing backs to go forward freely, as was demonstrated by Rafael and his excellent play against West Brom.

The Spaniard can be a real menace for defenses and is very hard to stop when he is in full flow. United will need creativity against Liverpool if they are to win and there are few players better than Mata in the creative department.