Manchester United were dominant in Thursday-s 6-2 Europa League victory. And that same starting XI should take to the field when the Red Devils face one of their fiercest rivals this weekend.
It would be easy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to switch things up. But the win means the second leg should be a formality.
As a result, there may be a temptation for United to play the same starting XI and go all out to make a statement against Liverpool.
United have been poor against the top six for much of this campaign. Too many stalemates have cost the Red Devils in their title charge. But this Sunday is the ideal chance for them to lay down a marker for next season.
United were phenomenal for the second 45 minutes last week. They tore Roma apart with ease and some of their passing and attacking play was reminiscent of their greatest teams.
The likes of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will be buzzing after playing so well. And they will not want to rest when Liverpool come to town.
An opportunity to impress
United could all but end their opponents’ Champions League hopes, while also proving how far they have come.
Imagine the same attacking performance against the soon-to-be deposed champions. It would show that Solskjaer’s side are on the up and ready to go one better in 2022.
Some may argue that Cavani should be rested in favour of Mason Greenwood. But that rest can wait a few days.
Next week’s second leg should be used to bring in some fringe players. After all, it would be nothing short of catastrophic if United let a four-goal lead slip.
United’s next game is the (latest) big one. They need to treat it as such and play like they did on Thursday. If they do, it could be a memorable game for both teams; albeit for very different reasons.
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