Erik ten Hag doesn’t just have an injury crisis to contend with ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday. The Red Devils boss is incredibly short on options as to who can skipper the side against the Premier League leaders.
After a torrid week which saw them lose on home turf to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich, United have a number of players who will miss the trip to Merseyside and it now begs the question, who can step up against their arch rivals?
Manchester United Injuries
Manchester United’s injury list increased during their 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, with defensive pair Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw forced off in the first half at Old Trafford. The duo are very likely to miss out against Liverpool, with a total of 13 players set to be absent from Anfield in total.
The likes of Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Amad Diallo are all also expected to be missing. Club-captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended whilst Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have fallen out of favour with Erik ten Hag. It really is a huge problem the Dutchman could do without.
Our captain picked up a fifth #PL yellow card of the season during today's game.#MUFC || #MUNBOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 9, 2023
Manchester United Captain
Marcus Rashford could be a viable option if he recovers from a virus in time. However, his sub-par performances this season and lethargic displays will likely see Erik ten Hag look elsewhere. Jonny Evans, who has impressed during his second stint at Old Trafford, is a very likely contender. The Northern Irishman has had the armband previously so would be a solid choice.
However, the most likely Manchester United captain against Liverpool on Sunday will be Scottish international Scott McTominay. The central midfielder has easily been the Red Devils standout player so far this season, and he is also the club’s top scorer with six goals. McTominay has really stepped in the Premier League of late and would make the most obvious selection, if Ten Hag believes he can step up on Merseyside.
Liverpool Vs Man Utd Last 5 H2H At Anfield
Liverpool will be licking their lips at the thought of a wounded Manchester United coming to Anfield on Sunday. The Reds have won every single game on home soil across all competitions this season and it’s likely the Red Devils will be their next victims. The best UK betting sites make Jurgen Klopp’s side the match favourites at 1/3, with the draw 26/5 and United 17/2.
- Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd (2022/23)
- Liverpool 4-0 Man Utd (2021/22)
- Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd (2020/21)
- Liverpool 2-0 Man Utd (2019/20)
- Liverpool 3-1 Man Utd (2018/19)
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