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Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has told Arne Slot his defense must improve against Manchester United this weekend, or risk putting their head coach under pressure.
The Reds return to action on Sunday following the international break as they host their great rivals at Anfield, needing to rediscover some form.
Liverpool has lost its last three games in all competitions - the first time that has happened since Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp last year. The downturn in form has seen the Reds fall a point behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, having sat five points ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side at the end of last month.
Slot’s team is yet to hit its stride this season following a summer of overhaul in the transfer market, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong still looking to find their feet.
The Reds have also struggled defensively, having already conceded nine goals in seven league games, with their last two outings seeing them fall to stoppage-time winners against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Despite its struggles, Liverpool will still be the favorite against a United side that currently sits tenth, with boss Ruben Amorim still under enormous pressure given his side’s poor form since he took over.
Giving his thoughts on Sunday’s game in his column for Liverpool Echo, Aldridge said: “It is Liverpool who need this more than United this weekend, no question.
“And look, they are there for the taking. United are no great shakes at the moment and while they have some good players who can hurt you going forward, defensively they are poor and the midfield must be the area Liverpool will look to dominate on Sunday.
“Bruno Fernandes is their best player and there's no doubt he makes them tick but I've seen him put in some abysmal showings at Anfield in the past and one was when we beat them 7-0. If Slot's team can get the upper hand in the middle of the park, which they should do, then it could be a long afternoon for the visitors. It's all about what we do on the day.
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“Liverpool will need to defend properly this weekend though to return to winning ways. It has been a circus at times this season and it all starts from the back. Get the basics right defensively and the hosts can really build from there.
“But let's face it, a defeat is unthinkable for Slot at the moment, having gone into the game on the back of three successive defeats. It's the worst run of his time at Anfield so far and despite winning the title just a few months ago, there might even be talk of some pressure on the boss if they lose.”
Liverpool.com says: It is far too early to be talking about Slot being under pressure if Liverpool loses again on Sunday - he won the league only a few months ago!
The Reds need to beat United though. It's about time some of the new signings found their feet, and there's no better time to do that than against your biggest rivals.
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