“Ready to go…” Erik ten Hag told he MUST play “incredible” Manchester United star against Liverpool

Erik ten Hag has been told he must play an “incredible” Manchester United star against Liverpool, even if it means dropping a favourite of the Dutchman.

After a win against Fulham during their opening day of the Premier League season, Manchester United fell to a last-minute loss against Brighton away from home.

Now, Erik ten Hag and his men return to Old Trafford to welcome Liverpool, who have won their opening two fixtures of the 2024/25 campaign against Ipswitch Town and Brentford.

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United last played Liverpool at Old Trafford during the third game of the season two seasons ago, when goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford secured a 2-1 win during Ten Hag’s third game in charge.

However, ahead of the September 2024 tie, Sancho is expected to leave United, while Ten Hag has been told he must drop Rashford to accommodate an “incredible” young star at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho has not started any of United’s three fixtures in England since they returned from the USA pre-season tour. Still, he has been heavily involved in the attack whenever he has played.

He scored against Manchester City in the Community Shield before assisting Joshua Zirkzee for the winning goal against Fulham and having another goal cruelly ruled out as Zirkzee was offside against Brighton.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former England striker Darren Bent explained that Garnacho must start against Liverpool, even if that means dropping Marcus Rashford.

Although some may offer instead to drop Amad Diallo for Garnacho to play on the right wing, the young Ivorian’s finish against Brighton means he will almost certainly start on Sunday afternoon.

“Garnacho has got to start,” Bent said on the TalkSPORT Monday show. “Now, if that means leaving out Rashford, then so be it.

“Diallo and Garnacho, the way they run directly, and that link-up play they had with Zirkzee in that second half would be the three that I would play.”

Bent continued, adding: “Erik ten Hag can only protect Rashford for so long. I’ve given you every opportunity to succeed.

“Even though you’ve not been playing well for a while now, I’m still continually picking you over Garnacho.

“I saw Garnacho in the Community Shield final come and change the game. It was incredible.

“I saw him when he came on; I know he should have scored against Fulham, but the energy to get up, again, scored. Unlucky Zirkzee was in the way [against Brighton].

“He is ready to go chomping at the bit. As a manager I get it, you’re trying to be loyal, and give Rashford every opportunity to find his form again,” Bent continued.

“But you risk losing Garnacho if you keep overlooking him by starting him. Garnacho, in the end is like any other professional sportsman, they’re going to start to get annoyed.”

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