Why McTominay is absent against Liverpool

The Merseysiders have returned to Old Trafford for this league fixture exactly three weeks after United's sensational extra-time Emirates FA Cup victory, but the Scotland international has not been included among the starting XI or substitutes on this occasion.

The 27-year-old played a crucial role in that cup clash last month, netting our opening goal, assisting Marcus Rashford's strike and playing the full 120 minutes of the game.

Since that cup cotest, McTominay has played two full 90 minutes for his country, every minute back with United against Brentford at the end of March and then replaced Casemiro at Stamford Bridge for a dramatic last 15 minutes against Chelsea.

There had not previously been any indication that he was a doubt for this match-up against the Merseysiders today, but he is a notable omission from Ten Hag's 20-man squad.

The precise reason for McTominay's absence has not yet been revealed by the boss, but we can confirm Scott has been added to an extensive injury list for United and will give the Dutchman one less midfield option to call upon in the Sunday afternoon bout.

His injury, along with the timescale he is expected to be sidelined for, is likely to be revealed in due course.

This follows a string of injury complications for Ten Hag in recent days, with centre-back duo Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both picking up problems in Thursday night's visit to the capital.

The centre-backs are also absent in the line-up to face the Merseysiders, with potential return dates yet to be stated for either. 

One positive is that this turn of events has lead to defender Willy Kambwala picking up his second first-team start, and fellow Academy graduate Harry Amass has been included in a senior United matchday squad for the first time in his young career.