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da fazobetai： Manchester United are currently in the midst of a severe injury crisis in defence, with just two recognised senior centre-backs fit available for selection for the trip to Anfield at the weekend. So, who should start against the Reds?
On the chalkboard
Well, after Victor Lindelof, who had been a standout performer for Jose Mourinho so far this season, picked up an injury in the recent 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, the Red Devils have struggled in defence.
Since that moment, the Premier League giants have also lost Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo, leaving Phil Jones and Eric Bailly as their only fit centre-backs – Mourinho will need to be experimental in his line-up if he is to keep out arguably the best attack in the league this Sunday.
Worryingly, the aforementioned pairing started Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to Valencia in the Champions League, contributing to the disappointing defeat with a number of defensive errors with Jones’ comical own-goal the pick of the bunch – the loss saw United finish second in their group and leaves them facing a harder Last 16 draw.
How should they line up against Liverpool?
Mourinho would be foolish to leave the pair isolated with no protection in front of them against the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino – Bailly and Jones have just seven starts between them this season, and their rustiness showed against the Spanish side.
As a result of that, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss must be smart with his choice of midfield against Jurgen Klopp’s side. In order to protect Bailly and Jones, he really should consider playing both Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini in the defensive midfield positions to combat the anticipated relentless attacking bombardment.
Despite its potential benefits playing the pair alongside each other, in front of another duo who are already looking shaky, could be a huge risk; even more so given the fact that Fellaini has played just 273 minutes of Premier League football since September.
That system would only be implemented if Mourinho plans to stifle the Merseysiders’ game as opposed to taking the game to them, the latter something that would be hugely out of character. If he doesn’t set up with added protection for his vulnerable defensive partnership, it could spell disaster for a United side devoid of confidence.