Manchester United could pose a bigger threat than expected at Anfield, with Liverpool facing a potential new manager bounce following Michael Carrick's departure

Liverpool will head into next Sunday's clash with Manchester United knowing it has a significant opportunity to pile more misery on its biggest rivals.

However, despite the visitors' recent struggles, Andoni Iraola's side cannot afford to approach the meeting at Anfield expecting an easy afternoon. United's decision to part ways with Michael Carrick has thrown another unexpected complication into the build-up, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as a leading candidate to take over.

While the timing of any potential appointment remains uncertain, the possibility of a new manager bounce is something Liverpool must take seriously. There is little doubt that United has struggled to find consistency this season. Its return of just eight points from its opening 10 Premier League matches has left them in the relegation places.

On paper, Liverpool should be confident of taking advantage. Anfield has traditionally been an intimidating destination for United, and its opponents' problems have given the home side plenty of reason to believe it can claim all three points. But football rarely follows the script, particularly when a managerial change is involved.

A new head coach can bring an immediate shift in atmosphere, with players suddenly allowed to impress and establish themselves under a different regime. Even without significant tactical changes, that renewed sense of urgency can make a struggling team considerably more difficult to play against. That is precisely what Liverpool must guard against.

Pochettino's potential appointment would also give Liverpool another reason to be cautious, particularly given the Argentine's preferred style of play. Throughout his managerial career, he has favored an aggressive, high-intensity approach built around pressing, quick transitions and getting players to work tirelessly without the ball.

His Tottenham side were particularly effective at pressing opponents high up the pitch, winning possession in dangerous areas and quickly turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities. That approach could make United a very different proposition if Pochettino is allowed to implement his ideas at Old Trafford.

There would naturally be questions over how quickly he could introduce those principles, especially with limited time on the training ground. However, the prospect of United playing with greater intensity and aggression should be enough to make Liverpool wary.

Indeed, Pochettino's preferred approach could create an interesting tactical battle with Iraola. Both managers have favored high-energy soccer and aggressive pressing throughout their careers, which could make the meeting a demanding physical contest if the Argentine is in place.

Liverpool cannot afford to assume United's poor league position tells the whole story. The Reds will need to be aggressive, disciplined and clinical if they are to avoid allowing their rivals to build momentum.

There is also a wider point for Liverpool. If the Reds genuinely want to challenge for major honors this season, these are precisely the occasions when they must demonstrate their quality. They cannot allow an unpredictable opponent to dictate the tempo or turn a potentially comfortable afternoon into an uncomfortable one.

United's managerial uncertainty might appear to give Liverpool an advantage, but it could just as easily make them harder to prepare for.

The Reds should still be confident of getting the job done at Anfield. However, underestimating a wounded Manchester United side would be a mistake they could quickly come to regret.