Predicted Manchester United line-up v Liverpool

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Manchester United go into Sunday’s game with Liverpool needing a victory to stay in touch with the visitors.

A poor run of form for United has seen the side slip four points behind Liverpool already. A defeat here would increase that gap to seven.

Attack was the best form of defence for United against Atalanta and the team will be looking to inspire the crowd at Old Trafford.

Injury issues: Marcus Rashford has shaken off an injury he sustained against Atalanta and is expected to be available.

Anthony Martial was also pictured back in training, although defender Raphael Varane remains out injured.

Fred and Bruno Fernandes are carrying knocks. But both will be desperate to return for this huge fixture.

Who will start for United?

United’s back five is easy to predict. David de Gea will start in goal, and Victor Lindelof will partner Harry Maguire in central defence. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start at full-back.

Working backwards from the front, Cristiano Ronaldo is a certainty to start up front.

Then the decision rests on Marcus Rashford’s fitness. It may be smart for United to allow Rashford to be an impact substitute and let Edinson Cavani start the game.

Mason Greenwood has not been able to link up effectively with Ronaldo and it could be time for Cavani to start on the right, as he often did at PSG when Zlatan led the line.

With Rashford and Greenwood out of the starting line-up, this would open up a slot for Jadon Sancho, who looked bright when he came on against Atalanta.

Scott McTominay was disappointing against Atalanta and does not deserve to keep his place. Solskjaer favours him for big games, but may turn to Paul Pogba alongside Fred for this one.

Bruno Fernandes will be expected to drop deep to help the midfield duo out.

Both Fernandes and Fred are looking to recover from injuries sustained against Atalanta. If they are not fit, then Jesse Lingard would replace Fernandes and McTominay in for Fred. But it is likely both recover to start.

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