Manchester United are looking for a surprise result against league leaders and rivals Liverpool in the Premier League this Sunday.
The Red Devils are under immense pressure heading into Anfield after four defeats on the spin, with Ruben Amorim unable to create a positive change during his first six weeks on the sideline. Visiting the red half of Merseyside is the last thing the Portuguese manager needs as he looks to turn around Man Utd’s fortunes.
Injuries The Red Devils’ poor form and performances can no longer be blamed, with Amorim still seemingly unsure of his best starting line-up. The former Sporting CP manager may not want to experiment with his XI at Anfield, fearing a possible thrashing.
Here’s how Man Utd they could line up this weekend.
GK: Andre Onana – Invigorated at the start of the campaign, Onana, like most of his peers, has reverted to an unconvincing and uncertain mess in recent weeks. He is guaranteed to be busy at the weekend against the most threatening striker in the division.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt made his first start for Man Utd in the reverse fixture and produced a very rotten performance in the Defeat at home by 3-0. Things have not improved for the Dutchman, who right now could hardly cut a more contrasting figure to his compatriot Virgil van Dijk.
CB: Harry Maguire – Man Utd have prompted Maguire’s contract extension as they look for the lead and the bulky defender will provide some authority in defense on Sunday. He will be kept on his toes by the relentless Luis Diaz, whose pace and quick feet can cause serious problems.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – Martinez’s short stature has proved a problem in recent weeks, with the Argentine under pressure from Joelinton as Newcastle United doubled their lead at Old Trafford last Monday.
RM: Noussair Mazraoui – Anthony Gordon didn’t offer the Moroccan any respite last time out and Cody Gakpo will be an equally tough challenge for the summer recruit. It could be a long afternoon at Anfield.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo was the man to replace Joshua Zirkzee after just 33 minutes against Newcastle and the midfielder at least offered a bit more protection than his team-mates.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The Uruguayan’s tenacity and heart will be essential against him Liverpoolwith Man Utd likely to be under constant pressure. He is back from a one game suspension that saw him miss the defeat of Newcastle.
LM: Diogo Dalot – One of the few decent performers against Newcastle as he featured from the lesser known left side. However, a battle with the league’s most in-form player, Mohamed Salah, will be a completely different proposition.
RF: Amad Diallo – The Ivorian has been one of the few bright sparks in a dark season for the Red Devils and produced the winning moment in the FA Cup meeting between the two sides last season.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – After signs of life early in Amorim’s reign, Hojlund is now five games without a goal. The powerful Denmark international must offer more to Man Utd’s failing front line.
LF: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes has not been immune to criticism this season already third red card of the campaign did not help his team against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The skipper missed the emphatic defeat at Newcastle last time out due to suspension.
