Erik ten Hag concedes Slot's Liverpool are 'more mature' than his Man United team

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that Arne Slot's Liverpool side offer 'more maturity' than his side.

Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp during the summer, is preparing for his first experience of the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Man United in Sunday's clash at Old Trafford.

In contrast to his compatriot, Ten Hag is set to face Liverpool for the sixth time since being appointed Man United boss in the summer of 2022.

The Man United manager boasts a reasonable record in head-to-head meetings, having overseen two wins, two draws and one defeat.

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Ten Hag identifies Liverpool strength

Ten Hag may have the advantage of previous experience of matchups between Man United and Liverpool, but he believes that his opposite number has one key factor in his favour.

The 54-year-old has admitted that Slot has taken over a Liverpool side that offers 'more maturity' than his Man United team.

"They are a mature team with players who have played together for a long time and are very experienced," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Sunday's contest.

"(Liverpool) are a team who are clear in the relationship among their players. It's what (Slot) has inherited. It was built over the last few years."

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Ten Hag set to recommence battle with his compatriot

Ten Hag is preparing to go head-to-head with Slot for the first time since they faced off in the Eredivisie in March 2022.

On that occasion, Ten Hag's Ajax side recorded a 3-2 victory in a game where current Man United winger Antony got on the scoresheet.

Ten Hag has won his last two meetings with Slot, but he suffered defeats on two occasions when he faced Slot's AZ Alkmaar team in the 2019-20 season.

The Man United manager will hope that his side can return to winning ways after they conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Man United, who currently sit in 11th place, will move level on points with Liverpool if they claim the spoils in Sunday's home fixture.