Man United vs Liverpool: Forget Salah, Nunez is the x-factor Red Devils must watch out for

While Mohamed Salah's record against Manchester United is well-documented, it's the red-hot form of Darwin Nunez that could prove the biggest danger for the Red Devils ahead of their clash in the Emirates FA Cup.

The Uruguayan hit-man has exploded into life over the last two months, plundering nine goals in his last nine starts across all competitions to cement himself as one of the most lethal strikers in world football right now.

Nunez's sizzling run has seen him outscore Salah over that period, with his recent displays offering a tantalising glimpse of the immense potential that persuaded Liverpool to splash out a club-record £85 million on his services last summer.

While the Egyptian King's quality against United is undoubted – he has scored a career-high 12 goals in 13 appearances versus the old foe – Nunez represents the x-factor most likely to cause Erik ten Hag's side problems on Sunday.

His pace, power and clinical finishing make the 24-year-old a nightmare for any defence to contain when he's firing on all cylinders like this.

Having endured a stuttering start to life at Anfield following his big-money move from Benfica, Nunez has kicked into overdrive at just the right time to lead Liverpool's charge for titles on all fronts in Jurgen Klopp’s final season as manager.

Manchester United have found some defensive solidity in recent months, but they have yet to face an in-form Nunez whose confidence will be sky-high.

If Liverpool's new No.9 can maintain his scoring hot streak at Old Trafford, it could prove the difference in an always seismic North West derby battle.

Manchester United have failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals of the FA Cup in consecutive years since doing so between the 2003 to 2005 seasons.