A red-hot battle!

Man Utd face acid test of Premier League title credentials against Liverpool today

Liverpool and Manchester United face off on Sunday as the Premier League's top two teams for the first time since 1997—with the rivalry between England's most successful clubs rekindled by a fascinating title race.

United top the table after the New Year for the first time since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 thanks to an 11-match unbeaten run to take them past Jurgen Klopp's men.

Liverpool have surrendered top spot after three league games without a win and could drop to fifth place on Sunday if results go against them. The last time United and Liverpool locked horns in a title race was 12 years ago. Back then United were hardened winners under Ferguson, who saw off Rafael Benitez's challengers to win a third consecutive league title.

Now it is United who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits are the "hunters" chasing the champions. Ferguson, who arrived at Old Trafford in 1986 with United firmly in Liverpool's shadow, once famously said his goal was to knock them "off their perch" and he went on to win 13 league titles.

But United have been displaced as top dogs even in their own city by Manchester City.

Bruno Fernandes hits back at Liverpool boss Klopp over penalty claims

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has told Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to stop moaning about the number of penalties given to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. United have been awarded 20 penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season, while title rivals Liverpool have had just 10. Klopp highlighted the large amount of United spot-kicks after his side had two penalty appeals turned down in their recent 1-0 defeat at Southampton. "You always see what people say, but I really don't care. I'm not focused on what they're saying. We have really quick players up front," said Fernandes.

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