Combined line-ups are usually for children which probably explains why it became a topic of conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s latest podcast.
The former Manchester United defender engages in plenty of low-brow debate on his YouTube channel, pitching his content to a gullible audience with guests from within the game.
Ferdinand has listed five United players in his combined XI of MUFC vs LFC players.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final between the two sides on Sunday, Ferdinand selected five United players from a possible eleven.
Ferdinand included two United players in the back five, with Andre Onana chosen ahead of Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher (since Alisson Becker is unavailable) and Diogo Dalot starts at right-back. The latter may be seen as controversial in some circles, but our Portuguese full-back has improved this season and Trent Alexander-Arnold is ruled out.
“I’m going Onana. Dalot has to play. [Connor Bradley] is doing well as well,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with Five. “I said about Dalot before, I don’t klnow what he is, you know? I remember Cristiano said to me: ‘This boy will be a good player, trust me. He works hard, has good attributes’… and he was right. He’s been really good.
“[Ibrahim] Konate and Virgil [van Dijk], straight in,” added the former United centre-back. “Lindelof’s done alright [at left-back], but Andy Robertson goes in.”
The only United midfielder included in Ferdinand’s team is 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. He joins Wataru Endo and former Brighton star Alexis MacAllister.
“(Wataru) Endo has been your guy. I think Endo, with the importance to the team, he just sits there and stops counterattacks. I’m going Kobbie Mainoo [as well].
“For a young kid to come in and have the impact he’s had so far, the calmness he plays with… He has to get a mention.”
Ferdinand had two United players in his front three, accompanied by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah. He said: “I’ll give you (Salah). Garnacho has been brilliant, I love him. I’m going to put Garnacho on the left.
“Darwin has had a couple of good games! Before this month you wouldn’t be sitting there with your chest out saying Darwin. I can’t give you Darwin over Hojlund with as much conviction as you’re saying.”
Ferdinand’s MUFC vs Liverpool combined XI: Onana; Dalot, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, MacAllister, Mainoo; Mo Salah, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Tough ask against Jurgen Klopp’s confident Liverpool
Liverpool have every reason to go into Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final feeling confident.
The Scousers have already won the Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea in a Carabao Cup final and they’re still in contention to win the Premier League, Europa League as well as the FA Cup.
Although it will be a tough ask for Erik ten Hag’s side, we’ve got two fantastic opportunities to stop Liverpool over the next month. This weekend it’s the FA Cup but it will be all about our Premier League meeting once the March internationals conclude… on top of an important trip to Chelsea just days before our league meeting.
Let us know in the comments section what you think about Ferdinand’s combined XI of United and Liverpool players.
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