Man Utd predicted XI to face Liverpool - Ten Hag expected to make changes after Brentford loss

Erik ten Hag is expected to make several changes to his Manchester United side on Monday when Liverpool travel to Old Trafford.

The clash between England’s two most successful sides is even more eagerly anticipated than usual given the starts both clubs have made to the season, with neither winning in their opening two games.

But there has been real concern at how United have performed in the defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, with Ten Hag saying in Friday’s press conference that the team didn’t show the ‘right attitude’ last week.

Following the loss at Brentford, Ten Hag said he could have substituted all 11 players at half-time, so there may be several changes to the starting line-up on Monday.

Yet, the former Ajax manager might also opt for a relatively conservative team against Liverpool and choose players with experience of this high-pressure fixture.

No-one has more United experience than David de Gea, although his kicking is proving to be a real roadblock for Ten Hag’s tactical blueprint.

Centre-backs Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have made poor starts to the season, and the latter was withdrawn at the interval against Brentford.

It seems highly likely that Raphael Varane will come in at centre-back and partner one of the aforementioned defenders. Victor Lindelof will miss out through injury, while Eric Bailly is an unlikely option.

On the flanks, Diogo Dalot is expected to retain his starting position, while Luke Shaw was another of those taken off at half-time last Saturday. Tyrell Malacia could replace the former Southampton defender, who has really struggled so far this term, although it would be a huge ask for the summer signing to mark Mohamed Salah in his first United start.

Casemiro looks set to follow Malacia to Old Trafford, although it’s not likely he’ll be available for Monday.

Instead, one of Fred or Scott McTominay could start against Liverpool, with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes probably set to play in the middle.

It’s been another week that has generated stories on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, with reports claiming he would be interested in completing a move to Borussia Dortmund.

While Ten Hag confirmed on Friday that Martial is back in training, it’s unlikely he’ll be fit to start, leaving Ronaldo as the only real centre-forward option for United.

In the wide areas, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have produced little from the opening two matches and could be dropped. Anthony Elanga is an alternative, while this game is probably too high-profile for the likes of Amad or Alejandro Garnacho.

Manchester United predicted line-up: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Malacia; Fred, Eriksen, Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo, Elanga.