Here are the key talking points to be aware of at Anfield when Man United takes on Liverpool in the Premier League today.

Eight wins, one goal, five losses, and eighteen goals given up. Even if Manchester United has a dismal record at Anfield since their last victory, it has gotten even worse over the past 15 years.

In the last 17 games, they have only emerged victorious on three of those occasions. Nine of United’s previous 17 games were wins.

Who replaces Fernandes?

Due to yet another booking for dissent, Bruno Fernandes lost his credibility as a leader and was suspended for one match today. His effectiveness is a bigger loss. This season, Fernandes has scored three game-winning goals in the Premier League, and United lacks a clear successor.

Although Hannibal Mejbri has occasionally played behind the striker, his best work is done when he is not using a football. In April 2022, he nearly received a five-minute warning at Anfield. Although Donny van de Beek is supposedly a No. 10, there isn’t much proof of that in a United shirt. This season, he has only played 19 minutes, and he is not a brave man to bring to Anfield.

The best scorer for United, Scott McTominay, has the ability to advance the ball further, which could jeopardize any strategy Erik ten Hag has devised.

Liverpool to see off another United manager?

A mere 37 days after losing to Liverpool, David Moyes was fired. After giving up at Anfield, Louis van Gaal continued to play for 74 more days. Two days after he patrolled the Anfield dugout, Jose Mourinho’s residency came to an end, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shot his exit interview four weeks after the 5-0 disaster at Old Trafford.

Three days after United was humiliated 4-0 by Liverpool, Ralf Rangnick announced that the team would need open-heart surgery. That certainly played a part in his consulting contract being cancelled before it was signed.

Mainoo to come in?

Even if Ten Hag’s decision to start Kobbie Mainoo against Bayern Munich was defeatist, it was a valuable experience and one of the few bright spots in United’s season.

Mainoo might be required at Anfield in the event that McTominay gets promoted. With Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount out of the picture, partner Sofyan Amrabat has no real competition. On the opposite side of Stanley Park, Mainoo made his maiden Premier League start last month and was outstanding.

What will the defence look like?

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez won’t be present at Anfield. Regretfully, Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not start during the week; he appears to be a recall candidate. Luke Shaw is anticipated to return, but following Sergio Reguilon’s disastrous showing against Bournemouth, Diogo Dalot might start at left back in the absence of Shaw.

Raphael Varane is a perfect starter for the first time in months.