Man United vs Liverpool preview: injury news, How to watch, the key battle

As Sunday afternoon approaches, anticipation builds at Old Trafford for the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, with Erik ten Hag’s side vying for their last chance at securing a trophy this season.

Having bowed out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League, Manchester United now focus on the FA Cup as their sole avenue for silverware, currently residing in sixth place in the Premier League standings.

The quarter-final encounter against Liverpool presents a pivotal moment for both teams, each aiming to book a spot in the Wembley semi-finals scheduled for late April.

Read More: Virgil van Dijk explains Liverpool tactical approach vs Man United in the FA Cup

Here, UtdDistrict preview the tie.

Team news

Erik ten Hag confirmed on Friday afternoon that he expects Rasmus Højlund, Harry Maguire, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to return to the squad on Sunday afternoon. Mason Mount is also expected to be in included.

Lisandro Martínez is due to return after the international break, while Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw remain injured.

On Saturday evening, Casemiro pulled out of the upcoming Brazil squad through injury, putting doubt over his availability for this tie.

Liverpool themselves have five injury concerns, with Jurgen Klopp admitting that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be able to play.

Read our detailed injury news round-up here.

The battle to watch

With Wan-Bissaka returning, this almost certainly signals that Diogo Dalot will fill in at left-back as United are very short in the position, with Victor Lindelöf acting as an auxiliary option in the position for a number of recent ties.

Dalot on the left could help give Erik ten Hag a tactical advantage if Mohammed Salah plays, as Dalot would be able to defend well if the Egyptian talisman decides to cut-in from the right wing on his favoured left foot.

Read our predicted XI here.

How to watch

The Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium will be broadcast in the UK on ITV 1 – it will kick off on Sunday, 17 March, at 15:30 GMT.

TalkSPORT Radio UK will provide radio coverage, and the official live stream for the game will be on the ITVX app and website, which is free to watch in the UK.

In the USA, the tie will be shown on ESPN+, while those in the UAE will be able to watch it on beIN SPORTS CONNECT, English, and HD 1. All other global TV channel information can be found here.

UtdDistrict will cover the entire fixture on X, including the pre-match build-up, match commentary, and post-match reaction for those unable to watch the game.