John Aldridge: Manchester United will 'park the bus' against Liverpool at Anfield

Jose Mourinho is likely to set his Manchester United team up to not concede against Liverpool at Anfield as he fears Jurgen Klopp's high-pressing attacking game, according to former Reds striker John Aldridge.

Writing in the Liverpool Echo ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash between the fierce rivals on 17 October, Aldridge said he expected United to "park the bus" and try to capitalise on any errors made by the home team on the break.

He pointed towards the Red Devils' physicality and height advantage as the biggest threats to Liverpool.

United have won their last four Premier League meetings with Liverpool, but Aldridge believes Mourinho would be happy to leave Anfield with a point.

"Mourinho is a defensive manager and he will park the bus and then try to feed off our mistakes by hitting us on the break," the former Liverpool and Real Sociedad striker wrote in the Echo.

"I'm sure he will also place a big emphasis on set-pieces because United are a big team physically and they know that's been an area of weakness for us at times.

"With the height of [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Marouane] Fellaini, [Paul] Pogba and [Eric] Bailly they do pose an aerial threat. Whoever starts in goal, he really needs to command his box and our back four need to be right on their game and ready for a battle."

Aldridge added: "The way Jurgen Klopp has got us playing means the fear factor is back for opponents. Teams are showing us the utmost respect – like we saw with how Chelsea approached the game against us at Stamford Bridge.

"I expected United to get men behind the ball and try to slow the game down as much as possible.

"This is Mourinho's first game as United boss against Liverpool and he won't want to be beaten. He would be delighted with a point."

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is a doubt for the match against United after limping off during the Netherlands' World Cup qualifying defeat against France.

The Reds hold a three-point lead over United after seven rounds of games in the Premier League.