Man United v Liverpool: Predicted Red Devils XI for huge Old Trafford clash

Few would have predicted Manchester United and Liverpool to have registered just two points between them going into their gameweek three clash. 

But, ahead of Monday night’s meeting between the two sides, hosts United are yet to pick up a point, while their visitors have drawn each of their first two matches.

That means that at least one of the two sides will begin the season without a win in their first three matches, adding even more significance to arguably the biggest fixture in English football.

Both managers will have plenty to think about ahead of kick off, and here we take a look at the XI that United boss Erik ten Hag could select.

Goalkeeper

David de Gea didn’t cover himself in glory against Brentford last weekend, gifting The Bees two goals as they cruised to a 4-0 win, but the Spaniard will star once again with only Tom Heaton as an alternative.

Defenders

Ten Hag has plenty to think about in terms of his back line, having watched his side concede four goals in 36 minutes against Brentford last time out.

Speculation has been rife that the Dutchman may drop Harry Maguire, who started The Red Devils’ defeats against both Brighton and Brentford. If he does do so, Raphael Varane will likely be recalled to partner Lisandro Martinez. It has also been suggested that Martinez could start as a holding midfielder.

Maguire faces being dropped for the visit of Liverpool

Much has been made of the latter’s height, and he didn’t pose much of a threat when attempting to fend off Ben Mee for Brentford’s third goal last weekend, but the Argentine is clearly a player that Ten Hag trusts.

On the left, Tyrell Malacia is set to be handed a start having played just 46 minutes so far for United, with Luke Shaw likely on the bench after his disastrous first half performance last week.

Diogo Dalot looks set to continue at right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka seemingly having failed to impress his new manager.

Midfielders

Last time out, Ten Hag opted for a rather unorthodox midfield with Brazilian Fred acting as a makeshift holding midfielder, but the system failed completely and the 29-year-old may revert to his usual slightly more advanced position.

Scott McTominay looks set to be on the bench once again after a poor showing when called upon against Brentford, meaning Christian Eriksen will likely once again be deployed in the centre.

Eriksen was dispossessed before Brentford’s second goal last weekend

Bruno Fernandes will expect to be given the nod once again, despite having registered just one goal and zero assists in his last 13 Premier League matches. Ten Hag will be hoping that the Portuguese can recreate the form he showed when he first arrived in Manchester.

Forwards

Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line against a team that he has scored just two goals against in nine Premier League clashes. The Portugal international started United’s opening day defeat to Brighton on the bench but returned last week, although he could do little about The Red Devils’ calamitous defending. Anthony Martial remains sidelined through injury.

On the left of him, Marcus Rashford will once again start and will be hoping to add to his tally of five goals in 11 domestic matches against The Reds.

No United player has scored for the club this season

Jadon Sancho will likely occupy the other flank ahead of Anthony Elanga. The England international has struggled since returning to the Premier League, but a goal on Monday evening would certainly help him to earn the respect of the United fans.

Predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Mallacia; Eriksen, Fernandes, Fred; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford