Ten Hag will be without at least 10 senior players for Liverpool vs Man United on Sunday. However, Erik ten Hag has confirmed that two other players will be returning to fitness.
The team’s visit to Anfield follows a disheartening elimination from European competition. They concluded at the bottom of their Champions League group, trailing behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray.
Despite currently occupying the sixth position in the Premier League, Ten Hag is facing escalating pressure as he has witnessed more league defeats (seven) than the combined losses of the current top three teams (six).
The challenging circumstances for United, including the injury woes and the suspension of captain Bruno Fernandes due to yellow card accumulation against Liverpool, are not making things any easier for Ten Hag.
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During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ten Hag did provide a glimmer of positive news. He confirmed that Luke Shaw (thigh) and Marcus Rashford (illness) have been deemed fit to participate.
”Harry, he will not be available for the coming games, but we don’t think it is for the long term. Luke Shaw, he trained this morning. So we think he is available for Sunday”, Ten Hag via Man Utd official site.
Absentees for Liverpool vs Man United per This is Anfield
- Harry Maguire (adductor)
- Bruno Fernandes (suspended)
- Casemiro (thigh)
- Lisandro Martinez (foot)
- Mason Mount (leg)
- Christian Eriksen (knee)
- Tyrell Malacia (knee)
- Anthony Martial (illness)
- Jadon Sancho (discipline)
- Amad Diallo (knee)
Despite Victor Lindelof participating in training leading up to Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat against Bayern, the Swedish center-back did not feature and is still uncertain for the upcoming match.
This implies that a minimum of 10 players is anticipated to be absent from the game. Meanwhile, Liverpool is dealing with their own set of absences, including Diogo Jota (hamstring), Alexis Mac Allister (knee), Andy Robertson (shoulder), Joel Matip (ACL), Thiago (hip), and Stefan Bajcetic (calf).
Ten Hag will undoubtedly strive to field the strongest lineup possible, but the team is expected to be significantly depleted regardless.
With both Maguire and Fernandes absent from the side that lost to Bayern, and only Rashford returning of those who missed out, the manager faces a tough task.
Either Shaw or Jonny Evans is expected to team up with Raphael Varane in the center-back position. If Shaw is chosen, Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Sergio Reguilon is likely to step in at full-back.
Man Utd’s Possible XI
In the absence of Fernandes, Scott McTominay may take up the No. 10 role, partnering with 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in midfield alongside Sofyan Amrabat.
Rashford may feature centrally with Hojlund, while Antony and Garnacho stay on the wings. Alternatively, Rashford could replace Antony on the right.
Liverpool vs Man United potential XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Dalot, Mainoo, Amrabat, Rashford, McTominay, Garnacho, and Hojlund.