With Manchester United set to face their bitter rivals, Liverpool, on Sunday, Ruben Amorim is considering a huge starting XI gamble for the tie.
Manchester United sit in the middle of the table ahead of match-week eight of the new Premier League season, with a tough fixture at Anfield fast approaching.
The Reds will be entering the fixture full of confidence following their successful 2-0 victory over Sunderland, which included a Senne Lammens debut and a clean sheet, whilst their opponents look to end their losing streak.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side have suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions, which will have Ruben Amorim smelling blood as he seeks back-to-back league wins for the first time in his tenure.
With an almost fully-fit squad at the disposal of United’s coach, Amorim has some big decisions to make, and he is reportedly considering a huge gamble.
Ugarte under consideration
According to a report from The Sun, Manuel Ugarte is under consideration for a United recall against Liverpool on Sunday, despite his only starts this season ending in defeat.
In Thursday’s training session at Carrington, Ugarte was involved in first-team training, whilst Casemiro missed the session entirely as he recovered from international duty.
The 34-year-old was allowed an extra day for recovery due to his extensive travels to South Korea and Japan with the Brazil national team.
Ugarte featured for the Reds after the September international break against Manchester City, which again allowed for Casemiro to recover from his time in South America.
United to take their chance?
With United coming off the back of arguably their best win of the season, and Liverpool in the worst form they’ve experienced under Slot, it feels like the perfect chance for United to scalp a result.
The Reds will have a difficult task if they are to get the better of Liverpool’s star-studded squad, although with the reigning champions seemingly short of ideas, United need to capitalise.
Starting Ugarte may be helpful in nullifying the threat of Liverpool’s attack, but if Casemiro is fully recovered from the international period, it may be wise for Amorim to stick to what worked against Sunderland.
Sunday poses a very interesting opportunity for both Amorim and his squad as they look to climb the table. A result away at the league champions would certainly go a long way in boosting the morale at the club.
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