Erik ten Hag has explained why he has made four changes to the Manchester United starting line-up for tonight’s clash against bitter rivals Liverpool.
Having been battered 4-0 by Brentford last time out, the former Ajax manager has made some big calls ahead of the game against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Dutchman beat the German 4-0 in his first pre-season game in charge of the Red Devils, but as United’s two Premier League results have shown – pre-season counts for nothing.
Erik ten Hag explains his Manchester United team selection against Liverpool
Ten Hag’s four changes saw Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, Scott McTominay and Anthony Elanga come into the side in place of club captain Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to the BBC about his team selection, the 52-year-old said: “Varane is a very experienced player, won everything and will bring the communication in the back four.
“We want mobility and agility in the back four.
“We know Liverpool are a really good team and you need to press them. You are to do that out of a block and need energy, that is why we went with Rashford, Sancho, Elanga.
“I am aware this is the biggest game in the UK, I am very excited to be in this game.”
Liverpool beat the Red Devils 9-0 on aggregate last season across the two Premier League games and Ten Hag will be desperate to get a morale boosting result against the old enemy.
United can climb as high as 13th place with a win against last season’s League Cup and FA Cup winners.
However, a defeat would see us drop back to the bottom of the table and lose our first three matches of the season for the first time since 1921.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
