Luke Shaw and Matheus Cunha are in contention to feature for Manchester United when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United will aim continue the positive momentum they have built in recent months when they welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday evening. Michael Carrick has no new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The English tactician has been sweating over the fitness of Luke Shaw (knock) and Matheus Cunha (groin). The duo will face a late fitness test to determine their availability. However, Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from a lower back injury.
Additionally, Lisandro Martinez will continue his suspension this weekend, and he will be available for the Red Devils’ next match. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Carrick provided fitness updates on Cunha and de Ligt.
The Manchester United head coach said, “We’re in good shape really. Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we’re hopeful. We’re not sure but we’re hopeful. Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game. But, other than that, we’re in good shape.”
Meanwhile, during his press conference, Carrick also addressed questions on Amad Diallo’s form, with journalists pointing that he has not contributed to a goal since December. However, the English tactician conveyed his trust in the Ivorian winger’s ability.
The Manchester United boss said, “I actually think he’s playing well, Amad. I think numbers in terms of goals and assists, I think there’s an awful lot more in the game. Playing in a winning team like he has, to worry about numbers, I think he gives the team so much. He’s got so much talent, he’s got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He’s played different roles at times.”
“I’m a big fan of Amad, I think he was unlucky and unfortunate that we had to change things tactically the other night [against Brentford], and it was purely on that why he came off. I think he’s given the team an awful lot. It’s the underbelly of what goes into the performance, not always what the headline grabs, that actually proves to be a team that’s going to be successful and Amad’s part of that.”
Senne Lammens is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Manchester United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Liverpool on Sunday. The backline will feature Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw. Noussair Mazraoui will start as the left-back if Shaw is not fit enough.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for Manchester United against Liverpool, with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad; Sesko