Man United takes on Liverpool in the Premier League today, and here are some key talking themes to keep an eye out for at Anfield.

Winless in eight games, with one goal, five defeats, and 18 goals allowed. Manchester United’s record at Anfield since their last victory is terrible enough, but their record in the last 15 years has been appalling.

Only three of the last 17 times have they emerged victorious from the ground. United had won nine of their previous seventeen games.

Who will take over for Fernandes?

Bruno Fernandes harmed his leadership credentials by collecting a(nother) dissent booking, which resulted in a one-match suspension for today. His effectiveness is a greater loss. Fernandes has three Premier League winning goals this season, and United do not have an apparent successor.

Hannibal Mejbri has played behind the striker a few occasions, but his finest work is done without the ball, and he nearly got sent off in five minutes at Anfield in April 2022. Donny van de Beek is ostensibly a No.10, although there hasn’t been much evidence of him in a United shirt. He has only played 19 minutes this season and is not someone to bring to Anfield.

Scott McTominay is United’s leading scorer and might propel the team forward, but this could jeopardize Erik ten Hag’s game plan.

Liverpool to oust another Manchester United manager?

David Moyes was fired 37 days after his team’s loss to Liverpool. After surrendering at Anfield, Louis van Gaal lasted 74 days more. Jose Mourinho’s stay at Anfield ended two days after he patrolled the dugout, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure interview was shot four weeks after the 5-0 disaster at Old Trafford.

Three days after being thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool, Ralf Rangnick diagnosed the United squad with open-heart surgery. That undoubtedly contributed to his consultant contract being canceled before it began.

Mainoo to come in?

As defeatist as Ten Hag’s decision to start Kobbie Mainoo against Bayern Munich was, it was vital experience for one of United’s few bright spots this season.

If McTominay is promoted, Mainoo may be required at Anfield. Because Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount are all unavailable, there is no obvious replacement for Sofyan Amrabat. Last month, Mainoo made his Premier League debut on the other side of Stanley Park and was named man of the match.

How will the defense look?

At Anfield, there will be no Lisandro Martinez or Harry Maguire. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was unable to play in midweek, appears to be a lock for recall. Luke Shaw is set to return, although Diogo Dalot might fill in at left-back following Sergio Reguilon’s disastrous showing against Bournemouth.

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