Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Mason Mount shared their candid thoughts on the essential elements required to secure a result in a league as demanding as the Premier League ahead of the highly anticipated clash at Anfield.
For the Red Devils, the path to overcoming rivals like Liverpool hinges on consistency and mental strength, something defender Luke Shaw stresses the team is actively addressing.
“I think the most important thing is the team’s overall performance,” Shaw said. “There are definitely a few positives to take from some of our games, but for us, consistency is key. Lately, we’ve been in a pattern of winning one game and then losing the next, and that’s something we’ve talked about fixing. We need to build momentum, keep winning, and pick up points regularly.
“At the end of the day, even if the performance isn’t perfect, what matters most is getting the result. Winning always lifts the mood, restores confidence, and keeps the energy in the squad high. For me, it’s all about maintaining that consistency.”
Midfielder Mason Mount echoed the need for stability, particularly in closing the gap between their form at Old Trafford and their results on the road, a vital requirement for success at Anfield.
“This season, I think our home form has been really strong, and we want to keep that going. Away from home, though, we’ve slipped up a bit, especially conceding goals at crucial moments. That’s an area we know we need to improve on,” Mount admitted. “Like Luke said, consistency is so important. We need to find that balance between our home and away performances to stay on track.”
Shaw also spoke about the team’s need for resilience following setbacks, the kind of quality that will be tested when facing Liverpool’s formidable attack.
“Of course, it’s never easy losing a game; it’s always tough to take. But for us, what really matters is how we respond. We know we won’t win every match in the Premier League, it’s such a competitive league, but it’s about how we react to setbacks,” Shaw explained. “Keeping the atmosphere positive and the energy high helps us bounce back stronger. Having a game soon after a loss can help you reset. So, for me, it all comes down to how we react and keep pushing forward.”
Mount further highlighted the need for real-time tactical adaptation to get the better of their Merseyside rivals. “As a team, all the players understand the different roles within the team, and in different games, we change small details here and there,” Mount added. “We have got to be ready for that within the game. In the Premier League, teams are at such high levels, they change things within the game; we need to do the same.”
“We need to adapt too, whether it’s our formation or the way we press or set up, and always be ready and switched on for that to win the game.”
For any player to perform at their highest level in a fixture as immense as the North West derby, confidence is essential.
Mount and Shaw agreed that this foundational quality is key to translating effort into points.
“I think for me, obviously speaking to the manager and lads as well, it’s about consistency. We’ve spoken about that, all of us as players. Consistency is really important. If we perform to the level we know we can, we will win more games. For me, that’s the most important thing,” says Mount.
Shaw also offered strong advice to the club’s young academy prospects, putting confidence at the heart of their journey to one day playing in matches of this magnitude.
“Always enjoy what you’re doing.”
“When you’re enjoying it and happy, that brings the best out of you, which is confidence, and confidence is really important in football. You have to be confident to deliver high standards. The young generation needs to listen to coaches, take their advice, and work on the things you need to do; they’re only trying to help you to build you into a more complete player.”
Meanwhile former Liverpool striker David Ngog has tipped the Reds to walk away victorious come Sunday.
However he does anticipate a tough battle against the Red Devils at Anfield.
“It will be a tough encounter, but Manchester United are struggling as well at the moment, so Liverpool should win,” said Ngog.
He is predicting a 3-1 win to his former club.
“I think Liverpool has an advantage in this game. They are a better side and they are playing at home as well. It’s always important to win , especially with the difficult time the club has had over the last few games. I’m sure they will cope with the pressure, and I see them winning 3-1.”
Ngog, who famously scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a memorable encounter, says he enjoyed coming up against the Red Devils.
“To score against United was a great feeling. One of my best memories with Liverpool, especially in front of the Kop. it was a great communion with the supporters.
The hype ahead of the game is crazy as well. Already the week before you can feel the pressure . with the media as well, so it’s a special game.”
