Manchester United will be looking forward to facing their toughest challenge in the league thus far today. The famous rivalry between the two teams would take a new turn as both of them have had contrasting fortunes since the start of the new season. Manchester United have been in a healthy competition with the other Manchester club in the League and would hope to not drop any points when they face the Reds.
They have an injury crisis in the midfield as star performers Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba have been ruled out. Michael Carrick too will miss the match though the details of his injury have not been revealed yet. In the midst of all this, even Romelu Lukaku and Phil Jones have had injury scares during their respective international duties.
Here we look at the three Manchester United players to watch out for in the big clash against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
1.Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera was one of the best players for United in the last season. In a largely mediocre campaign for the Red Devils, he showed a lot of character. His notable performances against Chelsea in April and Ajax in the Europa League final helped him stake his claim as one of the top midfielders for Manchester United. However, since Nemanja Matic’s arrival to Old Trafford, Herrera has seen his playing time being reduced. The manager has preferred Fellaini over Herrera to partner the Serbian and hence the former Atheltic Bilbao man has found himself on the bench often.
Now fortunately or unfortunately (as you would like to call it), Herrera gets his chance in United’s most important game in the league so far. He will be expected to man-mark Coutinho for major parts of the game and hence neutralise Liverpool’s creative aspect. Herrera will have a tough task on his hands as Liverpool like to press high up on the pitch and hence the Spaniard might need to plug any leaks in the defence for his team.
2. Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial looks like a man on a mission this season. After seeing his game time get reduced last season, the Golden Boy award winner has roared back into form. Often used as a substitute to take advantage of the tired legs of the opponents, Martial has a great chance to start this game. He has formed a formidable partnership with Romelu Lukaku and would look forward to continuing his form given that he starts the game.
Not only that, Martial looks a lot more composed in front of the goal this season. He has been more effective on the left wing than ever before which reflects on his numbers. Martial has scored six goals and has set up another four for his teammates in mere 281 minutes.
3. Romelu Lukaku
Manchester United’s fans will be hoping that the Belgian recovers from his foot injury scare soon enough to start the game at Anfield. It will be Lukaku’s first game against Liverpool in a United shirt but the former Everton man has been unfazed with all the pressure pounded on him by the critics. Lukaku has been in scintillating form this season and has already netted 11 times in 10 games for his new club. An early lead will benefit Manchester United greatly as it would be enough to silence the home crowd at Anfield.
Lukaku will be the centre of attention all over again in such an important match and it would be essential for him to silence the critics again. This match gives him a huge opportunity to prove his worth again and dismiss the misconception of his lack of performance against top teams.
Here’s an idea of what to expect from him in the match!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhcAUWi9HE