Jurgen Klopp is wary of the threat of Manchester United with Rasmus Hojlund and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available again ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
With their hopes of lifting a trophy this season resting upon the outcome of this weekend’s North West derby, two of Erik ten Hag’s main men could hardly have chosen a better time to make their comebacks.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka might not be Manchester United’s first-choice right-back anymore. But his return should free up Diogo Dalot to swap over to the left, meaning United can avoid the rather terrifying prospect of Victor Lindelof going head-to-head with Mo Salah out of position in the absence of Luke Shaw.
The importance of Rasmus Hojlund to United’s FA Cup hopes, meanwhile, needs no introduction. Not only the Red Devils’ top scorer and their most in-form player since the turn of the year, Hojlund’s impeccable hold-up play and his line-leading qualities could be the difference between a last-eight exit and a trip to Wembley.
Manchester United host Liverpool in FA Cup
“I don’t know much about their season, but I saw some good games. A lot of quality and injury problems,” Klopp tells the Liverpool Echo, taking on United for the penultimate time as Liverpool boss.
“Maybe Hjolund is available again? Wan-Bissaka is close. That obviously makes a difference. We will see on Sunday.”
Liverpool will make the short trip down the M62 in fearsome form. The Merseyside giants raced into a 4-0 lead after just 14 minutes during Thursday’s 6-1 hammering of Sparta Prague, handing Klopp the luxury of being able to rest the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez in the second-half.
Salah, returning from injury ahead of another meeting with one of his favourite opponents, also played the full 90 minutes for the first time since New Years’ Day.
“United have had a full week to prepare,” Klopp adds. “Ten Hag knows how to play, so he will line up some challenges but we have to be ready anyway. As much as it’s possible, I enjoy (these types of games).
“(Old Trafford) was always a tough place to go. It means everything to both fan groups, we know that. We try to show that on the pitch with the work-rate but we never know.
“No guarantees, just opportunities. We will give it a try.”
Ten Hag shares positive fitness update
In addition to Hojlund and Wan-Bissaka, Ten Hag confirmed that Harry Maguire should also be fit to feature against Liverpool. Sunday’s clash may come too soon for Mason Mount, however, who will likely have to wait until after the international break – alongside Lisandro Martinez – to make his long-awaited return.
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