Premier League Matchday 35: A battle for the future.

At 9:30 PM on May 3rd (Vietnam time), the highlight match of the 35th round of the Premier League will take place between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Liverpool (right) need one point against Man United to maintain their position in the top 5 - Photo: REUTERS

Ahead of matchday 35, Man United comfortably sit in third place with 58 points. Just below them is Liverpool with 55 points.

Man United can relax, and Liverpool also face less pressure.

With those points totals, both teams have practically secured their place in this year's Premier League. Manchester United are virtually guaranteed a spot in next season's Champions League, while Liverpool are unlikely to slip up, with an 8-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton (as of before matchday 35).

Many Liverpool fans would be happy with a draw in this match. Their team will be playing away at Old Trafford against a Manchester United side in their best form in about three years.

In the first leg, Liverpool even lost to Man United at their home ground, Anfield. And in the second leg, the "Reds" were further mired in a personnel crisis with Salah, Ekitike, Alisson, Bradley, and Endo absent due to injury.

The relaxed mindset is a positive point for both teams at this moment. For Man United, they can be considered to have "reached the finish line" with their goal accomplished several rounds early.

Manchester United's standards have been lowered drastically after three years of poor performance. Securing a Champions League spot is more than enough to give both fans and the club's management confidence in the team's future.

Liverpool's situation is more difficult. The English champions started the season with high ambitions. And then everything collapsed within the first three months of the season.

The upside is... Liverpool collapsed too quickly, causing home fans to give up all hope after only about half a season. By the second half of the season, Liverpool lowered their goal to match that of Man United: securing a place in the Champions League next season.

If Liverpool manage to finish in the top 5 at the end of the season, regardless of winning or losing tonight's big match, they will still have had a better season than Man United. Essentially, finishing 2nd, 3rd, or 5th in the current Premier League is the same – all secure a place in next season's Champions League, differing only in a few million pounds in prize money.

Liverpool also pocketed a massive £100 million bonus from UEFA for reaching the Champions League quarter-finals this season, not to mention other revenue from ticket sales, commercial activities, etc. This is something Manchester United couldn't achieve, as they didn't qualify for European competition this season.

Manager Arne Slot will face Michael Carrick of Manchester United - Photo: REUTERS

One point is enough for both.

Therefore, manager Arne Slot is in a similar "relaxed" position as his counterpart Michael Carrick of Manchester United.

Despite considerable criticism, the truth is that the Dutch strategist has managed to secure a solid foundation for the Anfield team. Liverpool's performance this season has generated approximately £200 million in European cup revenue in the current fiscal year, and potentially another £200 million in the next.

Therefore, experts will no longer be able to criticize Liverpool for "wasting" money on "big-name" signings once they secure their financial foundation. Football today is commercialized to the maximum extent.

While winning a championship trophy is emotionally charged, it doesn't necessarily build a stronger foundation than consistency across all competitions. Liverpool won the title last season, and if they can maintain that consistency this season, they will still be considered a top team in Europe.

Tonight's "English Derby" may therefore not be overly intense or breathtaking, but rather a relaxed contest with strategic planning for the future. Manchester United have practically achieved their objective and need a spectacular match to conclude the season. Liverpool face slightly more difficulties, but only need one point to reach their goal.

This big match could bring a relatively stable season to a close for both teams, paving the way for a fierce competition in the following season.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vong-35-premier-league-dai-chien-vi-tuong-lai-20260503102304875.htm