Man Utd and Liverpool predicted starting lineups as Erik ten Hag prepares for tough clash at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag's Man United are desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Brighton last time out, while Liverpool are looking to continue their perfect start under Arne Slot

By: irishmirror.ie

Sep 01 2024
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Man Utd and Liverpool predicte

Manchester United against Liverpool is always a massive fixture no matter the difference in fortunes between the teams and it will be no different as Arne Slot takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag's side are desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Brighton last time out and will not face a task much tougher than against an in-form Reds side who have won both of their opening matches 2-0.

The history of this fixture has always offered some mouth-watering clashes, feisty moments and lots of goals and both teams often pick themselves up for this one - desperate not to give away the bragging rights.

Mirror Football has taken a look at both teams and predicted what the line-ups could be ahead of what is expected to be an entertaining early-season derby in Manchester.

Manchester United

United looked defensively solid for much of the match against the Seagulls before falling apart late on, but now it seems likely that new defender Matthijs de Ligt will come in for Harry Maguire for his first start at the back and slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Fellow new addition Noussair Mazraoui started the game and should keep his place, while Diogo Dalot is expected to continue deputising at left-back after Luke Shaw's injury.

While United snapped up PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte on deadline day, he won't have been registered in time so he'll have to wait for his first United appearance until after the international break.

New signing Matthijs de Ligt could come in for his first Man United start (Image: Getty)

In the mean time, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo should continue their partnership in midfield, with the former in danger of losing his spot after his mistake allowed Joao Pedro to score the winner at the Amex.

Amad started the last game and scored the opener, but after Alejandro Garnacho provided an assist in the opener against Fulham and then unfortunately had a goal disallowed against Brighton, perhaps it is time for the Argentine to collect his first start in a big game.

Erik ten Hag started Bruno Fernandes as the sole forward at the Amex but he should instead be played in the No 10 role, giving new signing Joshua Zirkzee a first start and a chance to build some confidence in front of goal, with Marcus Rashford flanking him.

Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

Liverpool

The Reds looked irresistable at times in their last game - a comfortable 2-0 win over Brentford at Anfield that could have been a much greater scoreline.

Arne Slot will know he shouldn't stray too far from a winning formula so expect the same backline of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, with a centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk with Andy Robertson at left-back.

Slot appears to be a big admirer of Alexander-Arnold though the player didn't look happy when the Dutchman substituted him for Conor Bradley during the second half and he'll be eager to play a much bigger part against United.

Arne Slot is expected to stick to his guns against Man United after a 2-0 win over Brentford last time out (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool really controlled the midfield against the Bees, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister on song so expect them to continue, while it looks unlikely that new signing Federico Chiesa will be involved as the Italian builds up his match fitness.

That should mean that Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz keep their places on the flanks after both found the back of the net last time out, with Dominik Szoboszlai playing in the hole behind Diogo Jota.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota

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