The main talking point surrounding Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Tranmere this afternoon is the state of the Prenton Park playing surface.
Tranmere’s pitch, also shared by Liverpool Women, is in horrendous condition and there have been sand and rollers used before kick off in an attempt to improve the swamped surface.
While there should be no excuses for a Manchester United side boasting plenty of quality this afternoon, the Reds are certainly at a disadvantage with these conditions.
League One strugglers Tranmere beat Watford at home on Thursday evening in similar conditions to set up this clash.
There are concerns among supporters that the pitch puts United players at risk of injury this afternoon.
READ MORE: Confirmed Man Utd XI to face Tranmere: Martial and Dalot start
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made six changes to his United starting eleven.
Sergio Romero, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Jesse Lingard, Mason Greenwood and Luke Shaw all return to first-team action in what appears to be a five-at-the-back set up.
Anthony Martial will again start in attack will Angel Gomes left out of the squad entirely.
See photos of the pitch below, courtesy of BBC Sport, and some United fans reaction.
Things are looking interesting at Prenton Park…
Kick-off is meant to be in just over an hour's time between Manchester United and Tranmere Rovers for the fourth round of the #FACup
➡ https://t.co/YjZlQa5cUu pic.twitter.com/163a9CNWaH
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 26, 2020
The pitch at Tranmere looks like it was put together by Edward Scissorhands.
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 26, 2020
This is the pitch that Manchester United will be playing on today. Obviously not ideal, but Tranmere are playing on the same pitch too so really there shouldn’t be any excuses. Spurs beat these lot 0-7 last season too, so again, no excuses. pic.twitter.com/IzTguVqYBq
— Ryan. 🔴 (@Vintage_Utd) January 26, 2020
Tranmere v Manchester United – the pitch is weathered…. pic.twitter.com/UblK9frk4i
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) January 26, 2020
Tranmere are 21st in League 1 and have the worst pitch we’ll play on this season. So Solskjær has chosen to play a Premier League level side. https://t.co/cUC3OTWKeT
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) January 26, 2020
Growing up, we would play at our school field which had rubbish drainage on the left side. We hated playing that side & Iremembered once when I ran with the ball, having my foot sink into the mud which then swallowed my Lotto boot.
Tranmere's pitch reminded me of that
— damienthl 🟩🟨 (@damien_thl) January 26, 2020
Not so sure my eyes are ready to watch united on that Tranmere pitch
— Ryan Till (@ryantill29) January 26, 2020
Jesus my fucking back yard is in better nick than that tranmere pitch.
— Ant Bloomo (@antpaulbloom) January 26, 2020
That Tranmere pitch is horrendous
— 😞 (@TheMSeries1) January 26, 2020
Injuries on that pitch at Tranmere today???
— stephen (@stephenk75) January 26, 2020
