Predicted Manchester United lineup against Liverpool: Fred, McTominay to return; Martial misses out

Anthony Martial could miss out for Manchester United when they take on Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash at Anfield on Sunday.

Manchester United will aim to consolidate their place atop the Premier League table when they lock horns with defending champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a fresh injury concern to contend with ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Anthony Martial is struggling with a hamstring injury he picked up in the midweek game against Burnley and is battling to be fit in time for the trip to Anfield. During his pre-match presser, the Manchester United manager provided an update on the Frenchman as well as any niggling issues in his squad.

“Well, I think we have as many injuries as them. That’s just how football is, you get injuries and that’s just part and parcel of the game. I’ll give everyone tomorrow as well to prove their fitness, to get a chance to go to that game. There are a couple of knocks that we got at Burnley that I’m not sure about. For us, form goes out the window when you play your rivals.”

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“I’m going to give everyone a chance, another day. Anthony is not out of it. I think the only ones that are certainly out it are Brandon and Phil Jones. They are the two that definitely cannot make the game. A couple of others may be doubts, but we’re hoping – fingers crossed.”

The nature of the injury means that Martial could be named as a substitute, which also allows Solskjaer to make a tactical change. This shuffle will see Paul Pogba start on the left-wing, with Edinson Cavani leading the line for Manchester United against Liverpool.

Marcus Rashford will be stationed on the right flank, with Bruno Fernandes reprising his usual no. 10 role. Behind him, Fred and Scott McTominay will fortify the midfield double pivot, with Nemanja Matic likely to drop down to the bench.

At the back, Victor Lindelof is in contention to feature after overcoming the back injury that has troubled him all season long. However, Eric Bailly should get the nod to start alongside captain Harry Maguire at the heart of the Manchester United defence, owing to his fantastic performances of late.

Out wide, there is no looking past Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, meaning Alex Telles will have to make do with a place on the bench again. Finally, in goal, David de Gea picks himself ahead of Dean Henderson, who will once again be on the bench.

Manchester United Predicted XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Pogba; Cavani