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Three questions for Manchester United ahead of trip to face Liverpool

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Manchester United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday looking to take points off the Reds for the second time this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will be favourites and there are plenty of questions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to answer if he is to get a result from the German once more.

We’ve picked out three of the most pressing ahead of the trip to Anfield.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Is Solskjaer bluffing?

Solskjaer used his pre-match press conference to offer an update on Marcus Rashford’s fitness, saying: “I would probably think that he wouldn’t be ready, but let’s see.”

But is Solskjaer bluffing? He might be planning to unleash Rashford on Liverpool and hoping that his presence on the teamsheet is a shock which gives United a boost.

It could be that Rashford is genuinely touch and go, but given that Solskjaer has rushed Harry Maguire back in recent weeks, it would be absolutely no surprise if the academy graduate started at Anfield.

Remember David de Gea’s injury scare before the home game, and then he was on the teamsheet? Let’s hope that’s what happens here, providing Rashford is truly ready.

Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Which formation does Solskjaer go with?

Solskjaer got a point from Klopp in October by surprising him with a 3-5-2 formation at Old Trafford.

But does Solskjaer risk that switch at Anfield? Jose Mourinho tried something similar in last year’s fixture but suffered a dismal 3-1 defeat in what proved to be his final game in charge.

If Rashford is out, that could force a rethink, but Solskjaer cannot afford to get it wrong tactically.

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

How do United stop the full backs?

The conundrum against Liverpool is stopping the rampaging full backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, while also containing a front three constantly making runs in behind.

No Premier League team has done that as successfully as Solskjaer this season, but doing similar at Anfield is another kettle of fish.

Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will need protection from their wingers, or it could be a long evening for United.

Dan James’ pace could be a threat to help pin one of them back, and if Rashford is fit, Liverpool won’t want to take too many risks.