How Man United could line up against Liverpool: Erik ten Hag faces huge selection dilemma ahead of Old Trafford clash after triple injury blow in devastating late loss at Chelsea

Manchester United will look to strengthen their slim hopes of securing the Champions League next season when they take on fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s men suffered a blow against Chelsea on Thursday, conceding two goals in added time in a 4-3 defeat.

To make matters worse, three United players were forced out to compound the club’s unbearable injury problems this season.

The busy Premier League schedule continues this Sunday when league leaders Liverpool visit Old Trafford.

Here, Mail Sport looks at how United could prepare for the long-awaited showdown.

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GOALIE

André Onana’s place in the team is guaranteed and that will not be a surprise.

The Cameroonian had a chance to be a hero against Chelsea but Cole Palmer sent him the wrong way on both penalties, including one in added time.

DEFENDING

Injuries mean Ten Hag is reduced to the bare minimum in defence. Center backs Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were forced to leave the game against Chelsea after suffering injuries.

It came just days after Lisandro Martínez and Víctor Lindelof were ruled out for a month with calf and hamstring injuries respectively, joining Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines.

It will pave the way for 19-year-old Willy Kambwala to join the team for his second start of the season. It is a problem that Erik ten Hag would not have wanted given Liverpool’s lethality in front of goal.

Kambwala will likely partner Harry Maguire, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at full-back.

MIDFIELD

Kobbie Mainoo has cemented his place in the team in recent months and impressed again in the defeat to Chelsea.

Casemiro, meanwhile, was forced to retire due to injury and his form since returning to the team has caught the eye.

“Our leaders on the field, Casemiro, we also have to go out, that doesn’t help, they know how to deal and get the victory over the line. So I can’t say it now in perspective regarding Sunday, but we had to retire them both,” said Ten Hag while explaining why Casemiro was substituted.

Scott McTominay, who is the club’s second top scorer this season alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes with nine goals, will likely start alongside the latter.

STROKE

Antony produced one of his best performances in United colors against Chelsea. The Brazilian gave Marc Cucurella a good time and gave a magnificent assist on Garnacho’s second goal. However, it’s hard to imagine Ten Hag giving him two starts in one week.

Marcus Rashford has a poor record against Liverpool, having only scored twice against them in 13 Premier League appearances, and there is a case for Antony to retain his starting position.

But against a force like Liverpool, Ten Hag is likely to play safer and pick his best players regardless of their form.

Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the attack as he looks to add to his tally of seven league goals this season.