Manchester United scored three goals for the first time since October against Newcastle United as their skipper Wayne Rooney yet again proved that the Red Devils instantly perform better if he shows up, with a brace in a game that also saw Jesse Lingard make the score-sheet. However, they also conceded the same number of goals, reiterating everything that is wrong with their season so far.
Louis van Gaal takes his side to Anfield, where his side cannot afford to lose, despite their form and should name the best eleven out of the only eleven to vanquish Liverpool, who had also scored three in the midweek fixture, albeit against mightier opponents. SoccerSouls looks at the strongest United lineup for the swashbuckling fixture.
David de Gea
The Spaniard has been phenomenal since his breakthrough, and will start between the sticks for the 20-time English champions unless Real Madrid launch a transfer bid, thereby causing one of those ‘heads-not-right’ moments. Despite him struggling to keep Newcastle United at bay, he continues to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
Ashley Young
The former Aston Villa winger has been the James Milner of United this season thanks to the injuries to first-string players and will continue as the stopgap right-back against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. He had troubles dealing with the rejuvenated Newcastle attack, but the Old Trafford club can do worse than not handing him another start.
Centrebacks
Chris Smalling has been a revelation this season and will start at the heart of the defence, despite a woeful performance on Tuesday night. As the overall progress of the club this season somehow relies on his performances, fans will expect him to up his game swiftly. Daley Blind has also been a utility player featuring in three different positions so far and he will likely partner the Englishman.
Matteo Darmian
The former Torino fullback has revealed that he is pumped up for the Liverpool clash, but his fans will expect him to show some excitement on the pitch as he has not performed to his true potential as often as he should while helping his club become a force to be reckoned with again.
Morgan Schneiderlin
With Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick injured, the £25m summer signing from Southampton solely bears the burden of shielding the back four. He has seldom been error-prone, but more will be expected of him as even a relegation battling Newcastle side bossed the midfield in the midweek Premier League fixture.
Ander Herrera
Sitting back at Anfield will certainly not pay dividends as Liverpool managed to put three goals past league leaders only recently and thus, Ander Herrera should offer the offensive acumen that his club seem to desperately lack this season.