While the dust is still settling on their first defeat of the 2024/2025 campaign, Manchester United must get their heads out of the sand and begin preparations for hosting Liverpool.
Indeed, the Red Devils welcome their fierce rivals to Old Trafford this Sunday for a 4.30 pm kick-off, which will mark Erik ten Hag’s first-ever meeting with Arne Slot in a competitive fixture since he took the reins on Merseyside.
As for United’s Dutchman, he opted to tackle Brighton and Hove Albion with the same 11 he deployed on opening day – but that cannot be the case this weekend, no matter how stubborn he may be.
There’s no doubt that being on the pitch is the only way Marcus Rashford will kick on and, hopefully, revive his most prolific form, though few fans would be able to put a convincing case forward for him retaining his place next time out, especially given the stark competition on either flank.
Amad Diallo scored the Reds’ only goal of the game at the Amex and is now on a run of five straight starts, all of which have seen him be a standout performer. He famously provided the winner against Liverpool back in March’s FA Cup quarter-final and is more than capable of doing so again.
Yet, it’s livewire Alejandro Garnacho who’s had to settle for an off-the-bench role in the past three matches despite being one of the most ‘influential’ tools at Ten Hag’s disposal.
Garnacho more than deserving of a starting role vs Liverpool
He contributed almost immediately when entering the fray in the Community Shield final and proceeded to create Joshua Zirkzee’s goal in the win over Fulham. He’d have another goal to his name if it weren’t for his Dutch counterpart’s offside interference on Saturday, too.
As such, Samuel Luckhurst believes it’ll be a relatively simple decision to swap the youngster for Rashford. The journalist took to Twitter/X today insisting that Garnacho ‘has to start’ – a sentiment that will surely be echoed by the majority of the United faithful.
A. Garnacho had convinced me long time ago (previous season) that he booked his place among the starting Xi lads for Man U. He should be given minutes regularly, that’s the best way to improve him further. Rashy does, unfortunately for me, not show fighting spirit throughout his minutes.