Manchester United Battling Unwanted Run-in Record in Race for the Top 4

Manchester United's trip to Anfield to play Liverpool on Sunday isn't make-or-break for their hopes of finishing in the top four. Games tend to get more and more important as the season goes on, and it's only the middle of March.

United can lose this weekend and still qualify for next season's Champions League. And in that sense it's not season-defining. That said, it's still important. On Monday morning, Louis van Gaal's side could be five points clear of Liverpool or a point behind. It's as close to a six-pointer as you can get.

United are used to these pressurised run-ins. They've held their nerve to win 13 of 21 Premier League titles. But if they're going to get what they want at the end of this season, they're going to have to reverse a worrying recent trend. 

Michael Regan/Getty Images

United haven't fared well when they've had to play direct rivals in the final few weeks of the season. 

In 2008, they won the league by two points from Chelsea. But that was in spite of a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge at the end of April. They retained their title a year later but only after suffering a 4-1 defeat to second-place Liverpool at Old Trafford in March.

In 2010, Chelsea won the title by a point from United after winning at Old Trafford in early April. United lost an FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City in 2011. The 2012 title race is remembered for Sergio Aguero's late winner against Queens Park Rangers. But that would have meant nothing had City not beaten United at the Etihad Stadium two weeks earlier.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

City won at Old Trafford in April the following year, but United still managed to secure a 20th title by the end of the month. 

It's not the title United are after this time. That's long gone. But there is still a prize on offer. A big one, as it happens. But to claim it, United will need to get the better of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in the run-in. It's a daunting finale as it is without having to battle an unwanted record as well.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It's likely Louis van Gaal's side will need 16 points from their final nine games to be sure of finishing in the top four. They can still hit their target without winning at Anfield on Sunday, although that would mean a chance to put a dent in the hopes of the league's form team will have been missed.

The trip to Liverpool is always one of United's biggest games of the season, even when there's nothing riding on it. They could do with a win at Anfield more now than they have in a long time. It would be a good time to reverse an unwanted record.