England's two most successful clubs Liverpool and Manchester United head into their first meeting of the season on Sunday at Anfield in very different form after wildly contrasting campaigns to date.
Premier League leaders Liverpool boast a 16-point lead over their historic rivals at the top of the table just 16 games into the season, with United languishing down in sixth and already eight points off the top four.
Much has changed since the sides last met in March, where a 2-1 victory for United took Jose Mourinho's men five points ahead of Liverpool on their way to securing second-place to runaway winners Manchester City.
Liverpool finished 25 points behind City last season, but now lead the champions by a point thanks to their best ever start to a league season. Here, AFP Sports looks at how United have been left behind by Liverpool on and off the pitch in recent months.
- Shrewd spending -
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- Star players step up -
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