United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United beat Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup (read here), went on International Break, and have since picked up one point in two Premier League matches. Manchester United have conceded in the 99th, 100th, and 101st minutes in the last two games. Yes, you read that right. United will need to bounce back against Liverpool on Sunday to provide confidence for the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.

(Not So) Historical Highlight

On March 17, 2024, Amad Diallo shattered Jurgen Klopp’s dreams of a final FA Cup win with a 121st-minute winner at Old Trafford. Multiple times it seemed like Liverpool would take the lead for good. Down 2-1 with little time left, Antony scored for the Reds to level the score and force extra time. Harvey Elliot scored a deflected goal in the first half of extra-time that it seemed would put United to bed. Instead, Marcus Rashford leveled, and Amad Diallo scored on a stunning final breakaway to send Manchester United to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final.

Current Form

Since the win over Liverpool, Manchester United have been incredibly poor. The three goals conceded after the 98th minute in the last two matches have lost the Reds 5 points. Manchester United would be within 4 points of the Top 5 with wins in those games. With poor form and injuries, this derby could not come at a worse time for United.

Since the loss to United, Liverpool have bounced back with two wins in the Premier League to stay at the top of the table. Liverpool used the International Break to reset and prepare for their title charge, and they will be looking to continue with a win at Old Trafford.

Team News

Add Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans back to the injury list. At Chelsea, Varane was pulled off at halftime and replaced by Jonny Evans. Evans, in turn, lasted just 20 minutes before being replaced himself. This likely leaves United with just Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala available at center back. Erik Ten Hag may be forced to add a young center back, such as Tyler Fredricson, to the bench for the North-West Derby.

Bruno Fernandes was seen limping during the match against Chelsea, but will likely not miss any time, as he finished the match.

Manchester United will be without many long-term absentees, such as Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Martial.

Wataru Endo will likely be available for selection for Jurgen Klopp on Sunday after missing the win over Sheffield United. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are close to returning but will not be involved at Old Trafford.

Liverpool remain without Alisson, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Ben Doak, and Thiago.

Predicted Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Will Kambwala, Diogo Dalot

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo

Match Prediction

With a makeshift backline and tired legs from the Chelsea loss, Manchester United will struggle early. Darwin Nunez will put Liverpool up 1-0 in the first half. Antony will come off the bench, though, and grab a late equalizer for Manchester United at home for a 1-1 draw. Erik Ten Hag will need his players to sit deep for much of the match and try to hit Liverpool on the counter. United’s break has been effective recently, and Antony’s goal will come off it.

One Bold Prediction

Marcus Rashford will be benched for a second straight game. Rashford struggled when he came on against Chelsea and didn’t add much defending from the front to help keep Chelsea at bay. The English forward is capable of much more than he is showing currently and will be held accountable.

An alternate prediction is that a young defender will make their debut. Habeeb Ogunneye has been on the bench frequently lately, and another center-back will likely be called up to be a part of the squad. With injuries galore at the back, United will call on one of these defenders to help late in the match.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!