Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United, despite their current poor form and large number of absentees, have the quality to defeat high-flying rivals Liverpool.

After a 3-0 home thrashing by Bournemouth last weekend, followed by a meek midweek European departure, the Dutchman and his shaky, confidence-sapped team are under scrutiny.

United mustered just one shot on goal in a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, their 12th defeat of the season, which could reach a new low on Sunday.

Ten Hag’s side travel to Anfield for the first time since being thrashed 7-0 there in March, only a week after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

United travel to Liverpool in even worse shape this time, with up to 11 first-team players missing for a game in which their under-fire boss believes his squad can defy the odds.

“They are playing well, without a doubt,” Ten Hag remarked of Liverpool, who started the weekend top of the Premier League, 10 points ahead of their opponents in sixth position.

“But we’ve had some tough games recently, as Bayern is also a very tough team.”

“We have seen that we can go head-to-head with them and that is our challenge for Sunday as well.”

When asked if he is concerned about the number of absentees, Ten Hag responded, “We will put out a team that can challenge, that is confident in winning that game.”

“We’re doing everything we can to prepare the team.” We are confident that we can field a team capable of winning there.”

Bruno Fernandes is suspended on Sunday, and defender Harry Maguire has joined those in United’s crowded treatment room after suffering a groin injury on Tuesday.

Ten Hag claims that Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have been cleared to play, but Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, and Mason Mount appear to be out again.

Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, and Amad Diallo are also out with injuries, while Jadon Sancho is also out.

An eye-watering absence list adds to an already difficult task against Liverpool, who have won four of the last five league games against United, scoring at least four goals in each of those victories.

The 7-0 destruction last time out was a record loss in this game, but Ten Hag dismissed the notion that his players are afraid of such a humiliation happening again.

“I didn’t see last season that we were scared there,” United’s under-fire manager said.

“It was a terrible experience.” But it’s not the same; you start from scratch.

“Last season, I thought we played very well in the first half, but we got hammered just after halftime.” Then we passed out.

“Yes, that is impossible, but that was last year.” For the most part, it was a different team with different players.

“We will not ignore it, but we will go there with confidence, and I know my players will be confident from start to finish.”

“We have to fight there, we have to challenge there and you go there with the idea, so we will prepare them with the idea to win there.”