Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under massive pressure heading into this weekend’s North-West derby against Liverpool.
Defeats to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich at home mean that the Dutchman could do with a result at Anfield on Sunday evening but that task has been made all the more difficult by the number of injuries and suspensions.
Heading into the match, United have no less than 13 first-team players on the sidelines, although it is believed that, at least, some will be back in contention to face the league leaders.
Andre Onana will start in goal, but the back of four will have to be rejigged if both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are forced to miss the game due to injury problems.
Raphael Varane could be partnered by Jonny Evans in the centre of defence, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka starting on the right flank, and Diogo Dalot switching to left-back in order to cover for Shaw.
In midfield, captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the home loss to Bournemouth last weekend. With Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen both still on the treatment table, and Donny van de Beek out of favour, we may see Kobbie Mainoo starting alongside Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.
Up front, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial may return to the matchday squad. Illness ruled the pair out for the Bayern game but they should be back to full fitness in time for Sunday. Even so, it is unlikely that either player will start, considering their poor recent form.
Ten Hag is expected to pick Antony on the right flank, Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing, with Rasmus Hojlund leading the line for the away side.
Manchester United’s predicted XI to play Liverpool
Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Mainoo, Amrabat, Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho