Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw will return, but Raphael Varane might be unavailable when Manchester United and Liverpool clash on Sunday.
Manchester United will be eager to continue the recent winning run when they lock horns with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho will be available after missing the game against West Ham United this week. But Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, and Anthony Martial remain on the sidelines. In addition, ten Hag is sweating over the fitness of Raphael Varane. And a late fitness test will reportedly determine his availability on Sunday.
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During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag did not speak about Varane. So the Frenchman likely sustained the fitness issue in training after the presser. Meanwhile, the Dutch tactician addressed questions on team news update.
He said, “I think we will have players back. Yesterday Luke Shaw was not available, so we expect him back. Sancho was ill, but we will have to wait and see how that develops but I think [he could be available] as well.”
Shaw will likely return to the starting lineup, replacing Tyrell Malacia in the left-back berth. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should feature on the right flank. As for the central defensive unit, Varane will start alongside Lisandro Martinez if he passes the fitness test. Otherwise, Victor Lindelof will be Martinez’s partner. Meanwhile, there is no looking past David de Gea between the sticks.
Casemiro will return in the midfield double pivot, reprising his usual holding midfield role. The Brazilian midfielder will line up alongside compatriot Fred in the middle of the park. So Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay will be backup options on the bench.
Bruno Fernandes will be the most advanced midfielder, reprising the no. 10 role. The Portuguese playmaker will see Marcus Rashford and Antony start alongside him as the two wide attackers. Finally, Wout Weghorst should spearhead the attack against Liverpool. So Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho will be backup offensive options.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
