Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is running down his team as they prepare to face Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield. He is aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time in his tenure and what better way to say it than to ensure he achieves that on Merseyside.
With another exhausting international break separating this fixture and the 2-0 win over Sunderland last time out, Amorim has watched his team jet off around the world to fight for their country in every corner of the world. Some players returned tired and as a result were given time off by Portuguese tacticians, leaving their availability for Sunday’s game in doubt.
Here, Express Sport has provided the expected line-up for the always heated showdown.
Manchester United predicts eleven vs. Liverpool (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Ramence
Sene Lamence started his life in Manchester on a positive note with a clean sheet in his first start in the league. Although he gave no reason why Altay Bayndir should return, Amorim warned supporters not to declare him a United legend already.
“First impressions are important, but consistency is more difficult,” Amorim said in the pre-match press conference. “He’s not (Peter) Schmeichel yet. He’s a calm young talent. The fans liked him, but he has to prove himself in the next game.”
Defense: Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw
The fact that they didn’t concede a goal last time means there are no changes to the back three that started against Sunderland. Harry Maguire has pushed to play and Lisandro Martinez is close to a return but is not thought to be ready to play yet.
Midfield: Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorg
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were absent from Thursday’s team training as Amorim claimed he was “cautious” to the star midfielder. Amorim will need his key duo in the center of the pitch at Anfield, although he is reportedly considering starting Manuel Ugarte, who did not miss out on international duty.
Meanwhile, Patrick Dorg should return in place of Amad, as Diogo Dalot switches sides to add defensive stability.
Attack: Mbeumo, Sesco, Cunya
There may be a valid argument for starting Amad and Mason Mount, but Matheus Cunha is the least likely of the attacking trio to start following his return from injury and overseas travel.
However, Mount and Amad will be forced to sit on the bench as United will need their strongest attacking trident, although they will certainly be needed from the bench.
Counter-attacking may be United’s best hope, with Benjamin Sesco already causing problems for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in that area at RB Leipzig.
United predict all matches between Eleven and Liverpool
Rammen. Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw. Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorg. Mbeumo, Sesco, Cunha
