Manchester United will be without David de Gea and Paul Pogba when they take on arch rivals Liverpool on Sunday, but Anthony Martial is set to return.
Manchester United will be hoping to bring an end to Liverpool’s perfect start to the 2019-20 Premier League season, when they host the league leaders at Old Trafford this weekend. However, their cause hasn’t been helped by injuries to a number of key players ahead of this crunch clash.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea returned with an injury from international duty and is unlikely to be involved on Sunday. Speaking of the Spaniard in his pre-match presser, Solskjaer said, “Well I don’t expect him to play, but it wasn’t as bad as feared. When I saw the game, I thought that’s him out until the next international break, because we’ve had some long-term muscle injuries, but it’s not as bad as feared.”
The boss discussed his options for #MUNLIV in today's press conference, as well as providing a further update on @D_DeGea.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 18, 2019
Sergio Romero is expected to take up goalkeeping duties for Manchester United against Liverpool in de Gea’s enforced absence. Along with their No.1, Manchester United will also be without the services of Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Eric Bailly, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a doubt due to tonsillitis.
However, the manager seemed hopeful of the summer signing being ready in time for Sunday’s game and he should slot in at right-back. Captain Ashley Young should get the nod on the opposite side ahead of Marcos Rojo, while Victor Lindelof is likely to return to the team to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence.
Perhaps the biggest blow for Manchester United heading into the Liverpool encounter is the unavailability of midfielder Paul Pogba. The Frenchman, who is still recovering from his ankle injury, is the the Red Devils’ creator-in-chief and his absence is likely to hurt them. In his absence, Scott McTominay and Fred are likely to occupy the midfield double pivot on Sunday.
There are a few issues in the attacking department as well, with Jesse Lingard a doubt to be involved due to a thigh injury, while Mason Greenwood is also recovering from a back problem. The latter was pictured with the rest of the team at The Lowry Hotel on the eve of the game, although he is unlikely to feature from the start against Liverpool.
There is some good news as well, with Anthony Martial set to return after an eight-week layoff due to a thigh problem. The Frenchman has trained with the team this week and is in line to start as the centre-forward against Liverpool, with Marcus Rashford expected to slot in as a winger.
Andreas Pereira has failed to impress in the opportunities that have come his way so far and is likely to make way for Juan Mata in the No.10 role. Daniel James, who has been by far the brightest prospect in attack for Manchester United, should complete the lineup against Liverpool.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; McTominay, Fred; Rashford, Mata, James; Martial
Play Rojo instead young in leftback