Liverpool vs Manchester United – the 2018 fixture that birthed a new Anfield star

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Liverpool take on Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds head into the clash having won all eight of their domestic games so far, with United languishing in 12th having won just two.

Jurgen Klopp’s team are the overwhelming favourites to take all three points and continue their irresistable start to 2019/20.

Fans have been on social media during the international break discussing the kind of team they’d like to see take to the field, with midfield a particular point of interest since the defence and attack tends to pick itself these days.

One man who is nailed on to start in the engine room is Fabinho who, along with his adoring fans, will remember this fixture last year as the game that truly kickstarted his Liverpool career.

TBR’s view

Following his £43.7 million move from AS Monaco (Sky Sports), Fabinho spent his first few months getting to grips with English football and being eased in gently by Klopp.

He was handed appearances here and there by the German as he sought to find his feet, and had racked up four league starts by the time United came to town in December.

Fabinho would repay his manager’s faith by completely and utterly dominating proceedings against the Red Devils.

Xherdan Shaqiri stole the headlines with his two goals during the 3-1 win, but the Brazilian produced a masterclass and controlled the game from holding midfield, snuffing out anything United attempted to create. He also laid on a sublime assist for Sadio Mane’s opener.

BBC Sport swiftly recognised him as their man-of-the-match, and Klopp then handed him 15 league starts in the 21 games that remained, confirming him as a vital new cog in the machine.

Arguably, it was the performance that signalled the arrival of a top-class player on Merseyside.