Manchester United are set to travel to Anfield to face arch-rivals, Liverpool, in a massive Premier League clash. Last Word on Football tries to put together a Predicted Lineup for this vital fixture, as the Red Devils aim to do the double over their rivals this season.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool
From Wembley to Anfield, via Old Trafford 👏
A huge week matched by your top support — see you Sunday, Reds! ❤️#MUFC || #UnitedForTheFans pic.twitter.com/XqiukXrZqi
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
Erik ten Hag has brought back belief and motivation to the Manchester United squad. The Red Devils are still competing on all fronts and can end the season with more trophies after their Carabao Cup final victory.
The Dutch manager appears to have found his best possible team for United right now, at least among the players who are consistently available. He is likely to make changes from the team that started in their win over West Ham United in the FA Cup in mid-week – when many benched stars began the game.
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The back-five of David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw – which has featured heavily in recent months – should start this one. The Argentine defender, who was hailed as an ‘absolute monster’ by Shaw earlier this season, had a dream outing against Liverpool in the last game and will aim to replicate that at Anfield. The midfield three of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Fred is United’s strongest right now – while Marcus Rashford and Antony are all in good form and should keep starting big games.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
The Red Devils have been flying high in recent weeks, having won their last four games in all competitions. They’re actually 11 unbeaten across all competitions and have won 16 out of their 20 games since the season restarted after the World Cup ended.
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Ten Hag has stuck with a 4-3-3 formation, which allows them to keep a nice mix of width as well as lots of protection for the backline. The likes of Casemiro and Fred have been working double-time to help out defensively, especially the former – who often operates as a third centre-back to help eliminate any danger.
Varane and Martinez are only tasked to be defensively strong but also urged to progress the ball quickly from their half into the opposition’s half. Wan-Bissaka and Shaw are given more freedom to overlap and help the wingers, adding more unpredictability to the attack.
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All three midfielders have the license to roam forward when the Red Devils have possession, with Fred and Fernandes getting a lot of creative responsibility to set up chances and get on the end of opportunities. Rashford and Antony have been using their pace and trickery to trouble opposition defenders – but they’re also lethal with their shooting.
Rashford is on fire this season. He is a menace with his off-the-ball movement and being in the right place at the right time. Antony can be really troublesome with his trickery too. Wout Weghorst keeps starting despite only scoring once. That is because he displays an admirable work ethic to press the defenders, helping win the ball and is also impressive with his link-up play.
United will be aware of how dangerous Liverpool can be at Anfield. They’ll need to put on a defensive masterclass and be perfect all the game, all the while also looking to capitalise on their fast breaks and finish off their chances if they want to leave Anfield with all three points.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Anthony Martial is still out for this one, but might return for the final games of March. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are also out with long-term injuries. Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw are available for this after missing the FA Cup clash.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst
