Man United predicted XI vs Liverpool as Erik ten Hag makes smart tactical choice

Erik ten Hag is expected to make a smart tactical choice as Manchester United prepare to face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United will welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The two sides will face off in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with both sides bidding to play in the penultimate round at Wembley Stadium in April.

The FA Cup represents United’s last chance to win a trophy in Erik ten Hag‘s second season as club manager, making the weekend’s game a must-win.

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Although the FA Cup represents the only competition that Altay Bayındır has appeared in for the club, an injury to the Turkish international all but confirms that André Onana will start in goal against Liverpool.

Ten Hag confirmed on Friday afternoon that he expects Aaron Wan-Bissaka to be fit to play on Sunday. He will almost certainly start due to United’s depleted full-back options, with Diogo Dalot then moving to left-back.

Dalot moving to left-back may also be a sensible tactical decision by Ten Hag in order to try and battle Mohammed Salah cutting inside with his dangerous left foot.

In central defence, Jonny Evans has proved his worth as a player in 2024 with some fantastic performances and may well start alongside Raphaël Varane. Although Harry Maguire is available again, the recent performances of the aforementioned pair don’t warrant either player being dropped.

The midfield selection will require a chance. Casemiro has been ruled out through injury, meaning Sofyan Amrabat should partner Mainoo at the base of midfield, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them both.

Ten Hag confirmed on Friday afternoon that he expects Rasmus Højlund to be fit to play Liverpool after missing the club’s last four games due to injury, and with the absence of any other striker in the squad, he is predicted to start.

Alejandro Garnacho has started the club’s last 25 fixtures in a row and is not expected to be rested ahead of the international break, while Marcus Rashford often plays well against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Man United predicted XI

Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Amrabat, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Højlund, Rashford.