Liverpool v Man United: Combined XI ahead of Anfield clash

Liverpool and Manchester United will clash for the first time this season at Anfield on Sunday.

United have not won at Liverpool for almost 10 years and since that point the gulf between the clubs has grown.

Over the subsequent period, the Merseysiders have won the Premier League title twice while the domestic game’s biggest prize has not been lifted at Old Trafford since 2013 and the final year of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Liverpool appeared to be on course to retain the crown they won last season but back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, either side of a Champions League loss at Galatasaray – means Arne Slot’s team look uncharacteristically vulnerable coming into this game.

United continue to fluctuate between half-decent and downright awful. They still haven’t won back-to-back league games under Ruben Amorim and, until that changes, a return to the Champions League appears a distant dream.

So, what of Sunday? If you put both squads together, what would a best XI look like? We’ve had a go right here…

Goalkeeper

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Liverpool)

If Alisson were fit, he would get in the side. As it is, his back-up at Anfield is our number one choice. Although he has had little chance to shine at Liverpool yet, his performances for Valencia and Georgia get him the nod.

United’s goalkeepers have been a shambles for some time but Senne Lammens appears to have the right credentials. The Belgian did well against Sunderland on his debut but the assessment of that display could have been very different had he been pulled up for a blatant foul on the visitors’ Bertrand Traoré in the second half.

Right-back

Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

Another player who has yet to truly shine since joining from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer. For the purpose of this XI, his biggest challenge came from team-mate Conor Bradley and not the likes of Diogo Dalot.

Centre-halves

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

The obvious choice. The Netherlands international continues to be one of the stand-out defenders in the Premier League and, even aged 34, would grace any side in the top flight.

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Konate is not as convincing a selection as his defensive partner but he would still walk into the United team. Amorim’s defence have shipped 11 goals in seven Premier League games this season – an average of over 1.5 per game. Only the bottom five have conceded more.

Left-back

Milos Kerkez (Liverpool)

A bit like Frimpong, this is a selection based on what he can do, rather than what he’s produced for Liverpool so far. The Hungary international was sensational at Bournemouth and it feels a matter of time before he regains his best form.

Defensive Midfielders

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

One of the key reasons Liverpool won the league last season. The Dutchman has the physical capabilities and the passing range to dominate any game.

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

An unsung hero in the Liverpool midfield. The Argentina star has been a little under-par in recent weeks but his performances in helping his country win the World Cup in 2022 show he is the man for the big occasion.

Attacking Midfielders

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

You could rightfully argue that Salah is not an attacking midfielder, especially given his apparent unwillingness to track back. But, label him how you want, he is one of the first names on this team-sheet.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)

The Hungarian has been filling in at right-back this season but operates best in a more offensive role.

United fans would, understandably, make the case for Bruno Fernandes in this role. But, as talented as the Portuguese playmaker is, we prefer the athleticism of Szoboszlai.

Florian Wirtz will come good but misses out here.

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)

May not even play on Sunday with Hugo Ekitike waiting in the wings. Gakpo is another strong runner who ought to find space in behind United’s wing-backs. If he is chosen by Slot, don’t be surprised if he turns out to be the matchwinner.

Striker

Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Neither Isak, nor Benjamin Sesko, have hit the ground running at their new clubs. But Isak has done it in the Premier League before and even those of a United persuasion would struggle to make a case for Sesko’s inclusion.

Conclusion

Are Liverpool streets ahead of Manchester United? Yes, even though they have yet to hit top gear this season.

Are we convinced United will improve under Amorim? No. No, we aren’t.