I don't fear a 7-0 - but this Man United side invite Sunday League comparisons and don't belong in Liverpool's world

It's perhaps the darkest day in a recent history littered with matches many Manchester United fans would love to forget.

The Reds travelled to Anfield in March 2023 seeking to build on a Carabao Cup final success against Newcastle United that had prompted hopes of a successful new era. Seven days and seven goals later and that notion was in tatters.

United were in contention for much of the first half but capitulated in the second in an embarrassing performance which then-manager Erik ten Hag branded 'unprofessional'. It will be a new boss taking United to Anfield this time with Ruben Amorim at the helm.

But the Reds are in the doldrums, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table 25 points behind leaders Liverpool. United have lost their last three top flight fixtures without scoring a goal and travel to Merseyside as significant underdogs with very little cause for optimism.

It's left former United captain and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville worried about what will unfold on Sunday afternoon, even if he doesn't envisage another 7-0 mauling.

"Do I have any hopes for the New Year?" he said, speaking on Monday Night Football. "Well, we've got to go to Anfield on Sunday and do you remember the old Sunday League games when sometimes teams wouldn't turn up?

"I mean, to be honest with you, Sunday I can't get out of my head. It's only a few days away and it's such a big game obviously every single year and obviously Manchester United won at Man City, which none of us expected, but you're just going into that game now with Liverpool and I don't know what favourites they'll be for that game but they will be massive favourites.

"I think, look, he has to play the players with the most energy and legs. If you