Where Man Utd’s 7-0 victims are now with just four set to start Liverpool clash
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Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Sunday, still licking their wounds from the 7-0 pummelling they suffered at Anfield in March. But Erik ten Hag pointed out that “different players” would be facing the Premier League leaders this weekend, and he’s not exactly incorrect.
Only nine months have passed since one of the darkest days in United’s illustrious history on the pitch.
However, Ten Hag’s side may look entirely different, with just four players expected to retain their starting spots on Merseyside.
Express Sport looks back on how United lined up for the seven-goal mauling and what could change for this season’s visit.
Goalkeeper – De Gea
David de Gea faced eight shots on target with a 2.78xG and conceded seven of them as part of the disappointing end to his 11-year United career.
The Spaniard left on a free transfer in the summer after failing to agree to a new contract on a reduced salary, and Ten Hag replaced him with Andre Onana. The £47m stopper still has plenty to prove.
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Defence – Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Three of the back four who were penetrated seven times earlier this year are slated to start on Sunday, which may not exactly bode well.
Lisandro Martinez suffered a season-ending foot injury shortly after the Liverpool defeat, which he is still recovering from after a failed return at the start of the current campaign.
With Harry Maguire ruled out, Raphael Varane is set to start back-to-back games, and Luke Shaw could start alongside him at centre-back.
Ten Hag will likely want Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive attributes at right-back, pushing Diogo Dalot to the left instead of Sergio Reguilon.
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Midfield – Casemiro, Fred, Weghorst
Neither member of the midfield double pivot that started the 7-0 thrashing will feature this time around.
Casemiro remains sidelined through injury, and United sold Fred to Fenerbahce in the summer.
Loanee Sofyan Amrabat could start alongside 18-year-old star Kobbie Mainoo in defensive roles. Scott McTominay – a substitute in the previous meeting – will likely operate in suspended captain Bruno Fernandes’ role further ahead.
Ten Hag raised eyebrows by starting Fernandes on the left wing and Wout Weghorst as his No 10 in March. It didn’t work. At all. Weghorst’s loan wasn’t made permanent, and he’s now at Hoffenheim.
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Attack – Antony, Fernandes, Rashford
Antony hasn’t exactly progressed leaps and bounds throughout the year, but a lack of options should see him keep his place on the right wing.
Alejandro Garnacho featured off the bench in the 7-0 but has cemented his status as a regular starter on the left in recent weeks.
That has come at the expense of Marcus Rashford, who couldn’t have an impact as the striker during United’s last visit to Anfield. He is back from illness this weekend but could start on the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund still awaits his first Premier League goal. There wouldn’t be much of a better time to score it than on Sunday, as long as it’s not a consolation strike in a 7-1 defeat.
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