Manchester United face Liverpool next weekend in the FA Cup quarter-final with the winner heading to Wembley.
Having beaten one Merseyside team at Old Trafford this past weekend, Manchester United face another next Sunday.
Liverpool are widely expected to pose a tougher challenge than Everton, although the time Jurgen Klopp’s side visited Manchester United, it was a 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
This was Erik ten Hag’s first competitive win as Manchester United manager, and he really needs another victory this coming weekend.
Manchester United injury update
There is good news on the horizon for Manchester United, with three key players pushing to return from injury for the fixture.
These are Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all of who are making good progress.
Speaking to club media, Ten Hag explained: “Aaron Wan-Bissaka was, yesterday, on the pitch. We expect also Harry Maguire back in the squad next week.
“Rasmus Hojlund has good hope he will make it as well.”
Extra options for United boss
This trio returning eases a selection headache for Erik ten Hag and gives the Manchester United boss extra tactical versatility.
Starting with Rasmus Hojlund, the Dane’s inclusion would mean Manchester United actually have a centre-forward on the pitch. The importance of this cannot be understated.
Hojlund was in excellent form prior to his injury in mid-February and United are desperate for him to return.
Getting Harry Maguire back is also important. There is a strong chance the England international would displace Jonny Evans in the starting line-up, even though the veteran played very well against Everton. At least it is good to have the option.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return will finally enable United to line up with two full-backs on the pitch, with Diogo Dalot expected to switch to left-back. Recently, it has been up to Victor Lindelof or Sofyan Amrabat to fill in, out of position.
Adds to pressure on Ten Hag
Of course, getting key players back does add to the pressure on Erik ten Hag to get a result. There will be no hiding place.
Former player Gary Neville believes the result of this match against Liverpool, and the league game against them in April, could have a direct bearing on whether Ten Hag keeps his job.
The FA Cup is United’s only remaining chance of winning silverware this season, and knocking out Liverpool in the process would really open up the path to the final.
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