(4-2-3-1) Three changes made”, Possible Man United XI vs Liverpool – as Ten Hag axe out three players from XI to avoid Humiliation at Old Trafford
Manchester United have fielded the same starting lineup and bench for their opening two Premier League games against Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion. But Erik ten Hag must drop three of his early starters against Liverpool to hand his side the best chance of avoiding back-to-back defeats.
Ten Hag is a manager under pressure and can ill afford to enter the September international break engulfed in the toxicity of three defeats from four to start a crucial campaign
Two of those coming against United’s biggest rivals wouldn’t help settle the friction among frustrated supporters, especially if Liverpool take three points from Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire wasn’t solely culpable for Danny Welbeck’s opening goal at the Amex Stadium, but he could’ve done more to clear Joao Pedro’s dangerous cross.
Regardless of the former United captain’s form, Ten Hag’s shiny new £43million centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is waiting in the wings.
The 25-year-old has entered the pitch as a substitute in both league games, indicating that he is building up his minutes.
Ten Hag should pull the trigger and trial a partnership with Lisandro Martinez from the off against Liverpool. The occasions don’t get much bigger.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount was one of United’s better performers against Brighton. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking… But it’s a dilemma that has made his £60m switch from Chelsea so confusing.
Any attacking midfield that arrives while Bruno Fernandes is at the club faces an upwards battle. Ask Donny van de Beek. And the Portuguese maestro has just committed his future to INEOS’ rebuild.
Mount’s ability to contribute to the press is highly valuable. But £36.5m striker Joshua Zirkzee was recruited partly to contribute the same trait, and United sorely miss a natural striker.
Fernandes should drop back into the No. 10 position, with Zirkzee leading the line when Arne Slot’s side visit M16 this weekend.
Marcus Rashford
There’s the big one. Marcus Rashford had some bright sparks against Brighton, as he did against Fulham, but it’s time to remove the indispensable label.
Amad performed better – and scored – on the south coast, as did Alejandro Garnacho from the bench.
As bold as it would be, given Rashford’s scoring record against Liverpool, it’s nearing the right time for Ten Hag to use both together.
The young duo’s energy on the wings, paired with Fernandes’ creativity and Zirkzee’s presence, should make for a more balanced United performance.
