GOAL-SHY TEAMS SET TO SQUARE OFF

Manchester United and Liverpool have had low-key starts to the season, scoring just five goals between them. The powerhouses of English football will look to pick up goalscoring momentum when they square off at Old Trafford on Saturday. HT takes a look at how things have gone for them so far:

UNITED’S GOAL WOES

With forwards Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao departing, Manchester United felt the lack of attacking power in their opening games of the season. United have managed just three goals in four matches, one of which was an own goal on the opening day of the season.

BEEFING UP THE SQUAD

United addressed their lack of goals by supplementing the Wayne Rooney-led attack with the signing of Anthony Martial. It remains to be seen if Martial will be immediately thrown into the mix against Liverpool or will be eased in by manager Louis van Gaal. United’s defence has reinforcements in the form of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo returning from injury while the midfield will lack the support of recently injured Michael Carrick.

NEW BOYS TO THE FORE

United’s first team additions haven’t hit the ground running but have shown promise. If they are to outclass their opponents, United will need its new players to fire on all cylinders. Midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger has a passing success rate of 85.8% in the opening four games with an average of 51 passes made in each game. Winger Memphis Depay is yet to set the Premier League on fire as he did in United’s Champions League qualifying matches. He has averaged just 1.3 crosses and 0.5 key passes in each game.