Manchester United and Liverpool face each other in an encounter that promises to produce some of the fiercest rivalry in English football. Never a dull affair, this match-up always provides thrills and spills – and should provide another exciting affair this time.
Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent start under new manager Arne Slot with two routine wins against Ipswich and Brentford so far – they will look to extend this streak in this important contest at Old Trafford. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Man United vs Liverpool F.C. Lineups.
United XI
One of The Athletic’s regular features involves club reporters selecting their dream team from club history. It is always an entertaining exercise that often leaves out star players like Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic from United history; podcast host Shetty selected an XI featuring both legends along with Class of ’92 graduates David Beckham and Ryan Giggs as wide men in his selections.
Sir Alex Ferguson possessed two of the finest strikers ever in Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo; when playing together at Old Trafford they proved formidable goal scorers, with Rooney’s crossing abilities complimenting Ronaldo’s knack for drawing in defenders – making this frontline formidable for any team anywhere around the world.
Defence-wise, Andre Onana starts in goal; Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot serve as right-backs; Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez act as centre backs, with youngster Kobbie Mainoo or Rasmus Hojlund possibly coming off the bench; summer signing Manuel Ugarte will most likely pair alongside Christian Eriksen as central midfielders.
Bruno Fernandes will captain in Casemiro’s absence, with Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford supporting in attack. Portugal international Rui Costa performed brilliantly against Porto last time out and Ten Hag could opt to rest him against Liverpool.
Sofyan Amrabat should retain his left-back spot despite committing an unfortunate error in United’s 3-2 defeat against Tottenham, as his lack of pace makes him vulnerable against more dangerous opponents but his work rate and discipline remain outstanding. Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, two standout products of United academy will assist him on defense. Finally, fit-again John Evans and Michael Carrick provide complete cover by blocking off Liverpool’s midfield threat and helping out with set pieces.
Liverpool XI
Jurgen Klopp transformed Liverpool from an under-achieving side to one of Europe’s premier sides under his guidance, winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and an astounding 10 League Cups in just eight seasons at Liverpool. However, his successor – Jurgen Schein – now faces transition as they attempt to live up to his legacy by continuing winning trophies at this club. Nonetheless, they appear ready and capable to challenge for major honors once more.
Arne Slot has made an impressive start to his first season at Manchester United, but it remains to be seen if his success can continue at Old Trafford. Slot is expected to keep faith with his starting XI that defeated Brentford on opening day; Joshua Zirkzee may replace Amad Diallo on the bench.
Alisson will start in goal, with Virgil van Dijk joined at centre-back by Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson while Trent-Alexander Arnold returns despite being sidelined for two weeks due to injury. Alexis Mac Allister may remain midfield but must not take on too much defensive responsibility if Liverpool want the most from him.
Liverpool have several options when it comes to attacking players; Luis Diaz, Jota, and Mohamed Salah can all provide goals. But for maximum scoring ability it could be wiser to deploy Alisson, Firmino, and Salah together as an attacking trio as this trio was the go-to solution during Jurgen Klopp’s reign; scoring over 120 times between them!
Liverpool have made substantial inroads into the transfer market this summer, signing Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as new arrivals at Anfield. However, owner John Henry has shown himself frugal during his tenure. It will be intriguing to see if Liverpool can coax Juventus star Federico Chiesa to Anfield before this window closes; should that occur, Chiesa could serve as an attacking midfielder alongside their future front three.
United Starting Lineup
Manchester United and Liverpool face each other in a titanic clash that promises to make an immediate statement of intent. United’s disappointing start saw them lose at Brighton while Liverpool have enjoyed an outstanding debut season under new manager Arne Slot. Both sides will look to make an early statement and set themselves up as winners come April.
Manchester United had the best defensive record in the league last season but have endured numerous injuries this year. Matthijs de Ligt remains out while new signing Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof remain unavailable, providing Noussair Mazraoui an opportunity to make his first start of this campaign alongside Matteo Darmian on the left of defence.
Team news for Liverpool was much improved this week as they had no major injuries to deal with. New signing Federico Chiesa may still require time before being involved, however Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk and Andre Onana should all keep their spots after outstanding performances against Brentford.
Curtis Jones may miss this game due to an ankle injury; otherwise, Slot has named an unchanged XI from that which started against Brentford; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota will start up front, with either Ibrahima Konate or Ryan Gravenberch serving as wingers on either flank.
Joshua Zirkzee will make his debut after appearing briefly against Brighton and Bristol City, possibly replacing Mason Mount who has been sidelined due to a muscle injury. Deadline day signing Manuel Ugarte is not eligible as he wasn’t registered in time; therefore the door could open for either Amadou Diallo or Marcus Rashford to feature at forward while Jota and Diogo Jota play out wide.
Liverpool Starting Lineup
As Liverpool prepare for their inaugural home Premier League fixture of 2024 under new manager Arne Slot, excitement levels are running high. This match could set the scene for an eventful and dramatic campaign ahead.
The Reds will likely field the same starting XI that won their opening friendly against Brentford last weekend. Goalkeeper Alisson will likely join Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson at full back, while Virgil Van Dijk partners Ibrahima Konate at centre-back. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister should form an effective central midfield partnership while Dominik Szoboszlai can operate as number 10 while Mohamed Salah makes up their attacking options out wide.
Curtis Jones remains the only unconfirmed starter for Liverpool after missing last weekend’s 2-0 win against Brentford due to an ankle knock, although it should not prevent him from joining new signing Federico Chiesa in defence.
Klopp will also face an important decision at left-back, with Andy Robertson currently sidelined and Kostas Tsimikas returning from injury in training. With Tsimikas’ versatility and attacking prowess likely leading him into contention for selection; however if Klopp opts for continuity then Cody Gakpo may get another opportunity.
As all players except injury have returned from international duty, Klopp’s options are wide open. He could choose to combine new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah into a midfield three formation, betting on their football intelligence and creativity to be key factors. Or alternatively opting for more experienced central pairings such as Luis Diaz and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for more balance.
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