Mainoo and Evans start at Anfield

Sunday 17 December 2023 15:30

Erik ten Hag has made two changes to Manchester United's starting XI for our Premier League away trip to Liverpool.

Kobbie Mainoo starts in midfield, replacing the suspended Bruno Fernandes, while Jonny Evans comes in for Harry Maguire, who was injured during Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.

In the absence of club captain Bruno, and former captain Maguire, Scott McTominay will lead us onto the pitch at Anfield.

Ten Hag: We must take our opportunities

 Article

The boss assesses this afternoon's tough Anfield test in his Matchday Q&A, which you can read in full here.

There's news on the bench too, where Marcus Rashford returns as a substitute, after missing our last match with illness.

Nineteen-year-old defender Willy Kambwala is also present in a senior matchday squad for the first time.
When asked why McTominay had been selected as captain, Ten Hag told Sky Sports:

"I think he is one of the examples of what it means to play for Manchester United, to play with the badge on his heart. He is an example, and the others can take that and build on him. I'm sure he will be a communicator; I'm sure he will be an example of passion and desire, and you need that in these games."

Later in the interview, Erik explained that Rashford was not ready to start, but can still play a role in the match.

"He was ill and he's not fully back [in terms of] full power, full strength, but he can come on and he can have an impact."

Pundit Predictions: Liverpool v United

 Article

Former United defender Wes Brown has outlined how he feels the Reds trip to Anfield will pan out.

THE TEAMS
 
Liverpool: Becker; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk (c), Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz. 
 
Substitutes: Adrian, Kelleher, Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Elliot, Jones, McConnell, Gakpo.
 
United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Shaw; McTominay (c), Amrabat, Mainoo; Antony, Hojlund; Garnacho.
 
Substitutes: Bayindir, Kambwala, Reguilon, Wan-Bissaka, Gore, van de Beek, Mejbri, Pellistri, Rashford.