Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has tried to work the mind games by suggesting that Liverpool have been successful in 2015 largely because they have copied the system used by the Dutchman at United in the early part of the campaign.

Van Gaal was extremely persistent about using a 3-5-2 formation at United in the first few months of the season even though it did not appear to work well. He has since reverted to the usual four at the back system with Wayne Rooney back playing as a centre forward. This has been a major reason behind their impressive form in 2015.
Liverpool have also been one of the top teams this year.

Both teams will be coming up against each other at Anfield this weekend, but Liverpool are the undefeated team in 2015. Van Gaal has tried to take an advantage even before the players head onto the pitch by suggesting that Brendan Rodgers has copied this system. After struggling in the early part of the season, Liverpool have undergone a remarkable transformation since the 3-0 defeat against United at Old Trafford. Since then, Liverpool have been playing with three at the back, although this is not the first time Rodgers has done so since becoming a Liverpool boss.

“At that time [we beat them 3-0 in December], they were under their level in the league. That was the surprise, with the players they have, but now you can see they have a very good team, even if they were not so good in the first half against Swansea.We played very well in our last game. This time Liverpool are playing at home and Manchester United have a bad record at Anfield, so it will be difficult, but I like Liverpool’s players and they more or less play my system,” said Van Gaal.