Trent Alexander-Arnold addresses Marcus Rashford challenge ahead of Man United fixture

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford have played against each other seven times so far in their respective careers, with Rashford scoring five times in those.

Sunday’s fixture list pitches Liverpool against Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag‘s club keen to continue their fantastic form of late.

One key reason for United’s quality form of late is the sheer brilliance of Marcus Rashford.

He has become one of the most formidable wingers in the Premier League and has previously given Alexander-Arnold the run around on multiple occasions – most famously in March 2018, when Rashford left the right-back scrambling as he scored two at Old Trafford in a 2-1 win.

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In the build-up to the fixture, many fans have been discussing how they think the match-up will go between the two players, with man United fans confident that Rashford’s unbeatable goalscoring form of late will best the Liverpool academy graduate’s efforts to stop him.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Alexander-Arnold has addressed the challenge of having to defend against Marcus Rashford and explained how he thinks they can stop him.

‘The only thing that’s really changed is he’s probably scored a lot more recently but he’s the same player, he’s always a threat and I’m sure he will be a threat on Sunday,” he told Sky Sports.

“I”t will be a tough game but it’s one I’m looking forward to and it will be a good test.

“It’s difficult (to stop Rashford). He’s a player who’s got a lot of weapons in his arsenal but I think it’s more of a team effort, it won’t be just a one-on-one thing.

“They’ll have more than just Marcus going forward, it’s a team thing and as long as the team wins on Sunday, that’s all I’m bothered about.”

The fixture is set to take place at Anfield – a ground that United have not won at since 2016 when Wayne Rooney smashed in the only goal of the game after Marouane Fellaini hit the bar.

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Ahead of the tie, Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp have issued a joint statement calling for an end to chants in relation to tragic events that the two clubs have suffered over their respective histories.

“The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the greatest in world football,” Ten Hag’s statement read. “We all love the passion of the fans when our teams meet, but there are lines that should not be crossed.

“It is unacceptable to use the loss of life — in relation to any tragedy — to score points, and it is time for it to stop. Those responsible tarnish not only the reputation of our clubs but also, importantly, the reputation of themselves, the fans, and our great cities.

“On behalf of myself, our players, and our staff, we ask our fans to focus on supporting the team on Sunday, and representing our club in the right way.”

Jurgen Klopp added, saying: “One of the main reasons why the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is so special is that it is so intense and no one should ever want to change this. But at the same time when the rivalry becomes too intense it can go to places that are not good for anyone and we do not need this.

“We do want the noise, we do want the occasion to be partisan and we do want the atmosphere to be electric. What we do not want is anything that goes beyond this and this applies especially to the kind of chants that have no place in football. If we can keep the passion and lose the poison it will be so much better for everyone.”