Our predicted Manchester United line-up for this afternoon’s high-stakes clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Keen to bounce back from last week’s deflating loss at the Amex, Erik ten Hag will have undoubtedly used the last eight days to rally his troops and get them fired up for today’s derby.
Back-to-back defeats, with one coming against your fiercest rivals, would leave too sour a taste heading into the international break, and that’s the last thing the club needs this early on in the season. To already feel like you’re playing catch-up with points can set a torrid tone for the subsequent fixtures.
As for Ten Hag’s options, he will again be without the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund. It was announced midweek that Mason Mount, who started the opening two matches, had suffered a fresh injury setback which will see him sidelined for a handful of fixtures.
Manuel Ugarte is now officially a United player after his move was finalised on deadline day, although he won’t be able to feature against the Merseyside outfit due to the club not registering him by Friday’s noon deadline.
Predicted United XI
Nevertheless, here’s how we think the Reds could shape up.
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes (C), Garnacho; Zirkzee.