Manchester United return to Old Trafford this weekend with a Premier League game against Liverpool, here’s our predicted line-up.
After the complete momentum killer that was Thursday’s dramatic late 4-3 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, it isn’t going to get much easier.
Facing Liverpool, back at Old Trafford for the first time since the FA Cup triumph three weeks ago.
That 4-3 win which set up an FA Cup semi-final with Coventry in a fortnight will be giving Erik ten Hag confidence ahead of this game.
But Liverpool have been a different animal lately, and Manchester United will need to be at their best in order to damage the title bid of Jurgen Klopp.
So here’s our predicted line-up for the game, as we head closer to the season’s end.
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Predicted Manchester United line up vs Liverpool
This weekend is probably the last chance for United in the Champions League race as a loss will leave an almost insurmountable gap, with just eight games remaining.
But for Ten Hag, the line-up will be far from his strongest, particularly in defence, but offensively, he’s probably in the best position he’s been for a long time.
So let’s see who’s in our predicted XI.
Andre Onana – goalkeeper
In goal, Andre Onana will start, as he has quietly been very impressive for months now.
Despite conceding three last time vs Liverpool and four against Chelsea, the amount of shots he’s had to face shows that he should be conceding a lot more.
Diogo Dalot – right-back
Back in his favoured position, arguably United’s player of the season, Diogo Dalot, will start here.
He will feel he has a point to prove too, after he gave away a penalty in the dying moments vs Chelsea, which led to criticism from Rio Ferdinand.
Harry Maguire – centre-back
Amid a defensive crisis, United have just two fit centre-halves, one of which is Harry Maguire who will have a huge job on his hands.
Willy Kambwala – centre-back
Next to Maguire will be 19-year-old Willy Kambwala who is the other fit defender, and will be hoping to put in a statement-making performance.
With his senior teammates all struggling though, we can’t judge him too harshly.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – left-back
Moving back out to the left in order to try and limit Mohammed Salah should be Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
He played here in the quarter-final to some success and we’d much rather see Dalot in his favoured position.
Kobbie Mainoo – central-midfield
The last time we faced Liverpool, Kobbie Mainoo forced his way into the England squad with an incredible performance.
This time, we’re going to need some similar magic from the 18-year-old.
Scott McTominay – central-midfield
Alongside Mainoo in midfield has to be Scott McTominay, with Casemiro warranting being dropped for his atrocious performance vs Chelsea.
We’d also like to see Mason Mount starting but in a pivot vs Liverpool, we think McTominay should start as it’s a game he tends to thrive in.
Antony – right-wing
Antony continues on the right after his impressive outing against Chelsea. He’s finally showing signs of living up to his potential after the £86m United spent on him in 2022.
His assist for Alejandro Garnacho was incredible and he’ll be full of confidence after scoring against Liverpool last time out.
Bruno Fernandes – attacking-midfield
After a goal-scoring outing vs Chelsea, Bruno Fernandes will be hoping to continue in good form against Liverpool.
He’s so visibly exhausted and needs to be rested, with Mount chomping at the bit to get a chance, but there is zero chance that Ten Hag does that here.
Alejandro Garnacho – left-wing
Garnacho has been immense this season and with two goals against Chelsea, his tally for the season has reached nine.
Coming off a brace, he is unlikely to be dropped, especially after he played so well against Liverpool last time out.
This means no space for Marcus Rashford, but he doesn’t deserve to start over either winger but could be a dangerous weapon off the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund – striker
Up top it’ll be Rasmus Hojlund who will be desperate to get back among the goals after three games without scoring.
He has 13 in all competitions this season but will want to push on and at least get over the 15-goal mark in his debut campaign.
