Manchester United will secure Champions League football next season with a victory over their fierce rivals Liverpool
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick and a glimpse at his potential team vs Liverpool
Manchester United are looking to secure Champions League football against Liverpool this weekend(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford this afternoon knowing a win will secure their spot in next season's Champions League. The Reds are in good spirits having beaten Brentford 2-1 on Monday night but Liverpool have won their last three Premier League games.
Michael Carrick has a mostly full squad to choose from today. Lisandro Martinez is absent as he serves the final game of his three-match suspension. Matthijs de Ligt is a long-term absentee having not featured since the win at Crystal Palace in December. The Dutch international has returned to individual training.
Matheus Cunha was absent for the win over Brentford. Carrick is hopeful, if not certain, the forward will be available to feature against Liverpool. Luke Shaw hobbled off against the Bees but is expected to be fit for today. With this in mind, MEN Sport have asked our United writers who they would pick.
Tyrone Marshall
Carrick didn't seek to play down the importance of this fixture from a United perspective on Sunday and he will be desperate to add another big win to his resume. He might be ruthless in doing so and I would be as well, bringing Leny Yoro in for Ayden Heaven to an otherwise unchanged back four.
The midfield picks itself at the moment as well. Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are streets ahead of their back-ups and will start every remaining game if they are fit. Make the most of that partnership.
I'd also bring Cunha back if he is fit to start. He's a big-game player and Amad is struggling for a bit of form at the moment. Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko can finish the attack off.
Tyrone Marshall's Manchester United XI to take on Liverpool
Tyrone Marshall's Manchester United XI to take on Liverpool
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I initially thought I'd stick with Heaven to face Liverpool, but I've reconsidered this week and changed my mind in favour of starting Yoro. Heaven only enhanced his reputation with his performances against Chelsea and Brentford, but Yoro has more experience, and Liverpool is a huge game.
The midfield three picks itself and Casemiro will savour every minute of his last big match at Old Trafford. The only other change I would make is bringing Cunha into the side for Amad, who is out of form.
Amad last produced a goal involvement (a goal or an assist) against Bournemouth on December 15. His output hasn't been good enough this season, so he should move to the bench to accommodate Cunha if he's fit enough to start.
Steven Railston's Manchester United XI vs Liverpool
Steven Railston's Manchester United XI vs Liverpool
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Carrick has been loyal with his team selection and I am tempted to stick with Heaven despite Yoro being fit again. The young centre-back is no novice to big games and it would be a huge show of faith from the interim boss to stick with him this weekend.
Casemiro and Mainoo are obvious inclusions. That partnership will take some replacing next season while Fernandes should pull the strings in attacking midfield.
Normally, United would be best being cautious but Cunha seems to be fine and should replace Amad in the starting line-up. The Ivorian perhaps needs another spell out of the team to rediscover his form.
Jack Flintham's Manchester United XI vs Liverpool
Jack Flintham's Manchester United XI vs Liverpool
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