How Man Utd could line-up against Liverpool with Erik ten Hag ‘considering DROPPING captain Maguire’ but Martial back
MANCHESTER UNITED will look to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone on Monday with a win over bitter rivals Liverpool.
The Red Devils currently sit at the bottom of the league table with no points after losing their opening two fixtures.
Erik ten Hag’s side opened the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
But, things only got worse last week when they suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to Brentford.
Going into Monday’s huge match against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the United boss has no new players to call upon.
Even if club chiefs can complete a deal for Casemiro over the weekend, the Brazil international will not be registered in time to play.
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That leaves Ten Hag with the same group of players from last week’s disastrous defeat.
But, he could still make several changes.
Reports suggest that the Dutchman could opt to DROP captain Harry Maguire to the bench.
He is reportedly keen to trial a centre-back partnership of new boy Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
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Varane replaced United’s £54million summer signing midway through last week’s match, but the pair could be tasked with working together on Monday.
Ten Hag will likely call upon the experience of Luke Shaw to fill in at left back, with Mohamed Salah expected to start for Liverpool.
A new defensive midfield partnership could also be on the cards as Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay were seen working together during training earlier this week.
Both players were introduced to replace starters Christian Eriksen and Fred last week and as a duo completed a solid shift in the middle.
Eriksen, who joined the Red Devils in a free transfer last month, could still play a part, but Ten Hag may decide to start him in his preferred attacking midfield position.
Jadon Sancho will likely maintain his spot on the wing, with Anthony Elanga potentially set to be introduced on the opposite side.
The 20-year-old was called into action on Saturday, but he could be offered the chance to start in place of Marcus Rashford.
Despite circulating rumours surrounding his potential exit, wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo is most likely to start as a solo striker.
The Portugal skipper is currently United’s main goalscoring threat, so Ten Hag will likely need him if the team want to cause any problems for Liverpool’s defence.
Anthony Martial shone for The Red Devils during a pre-season friendly against Klopp’s side, but he is yet to feature in this Premier League campaign.
The Frenchman has been struggling with a hamstring issue, but he returned to training this week which could mean he may called be called upon at Old Trafford on Monday – most likely from the bench.
Alternatively, United could kick off with the same front three as last week with Rashford, who played the full 90 minutes against Brentford, joining Ronaldo and Sancho.
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Bruno Fernandes and Fred could also retain their spots in midfield, with the Portugal star taking up a more attacking role.
And Tyrell Malacia could be offered his first Premier League start in place of Shaw at left-back, but he will have to deal with the huge threat of Liverpool’s danger man Salah.
