Erik ten Hag might have to drop three Manchester United players from his matchday squad

For the first time this Premier League season, Erik ten Hag made changes to his starting line up for the visit of Liverpool prior to the international break.

Having named the exact same XI for the opening two games against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, the United manager made three alterations for the 3-0 defeat to Arne Slot's team - one of which was enforced.

Mason Mount was forced off with a muscle issue against Brighton, ruling him out of 'a few games', meaning Joshua Zirkzee came into the team to make his first start for the club. It meant a slight tactical tweak, with Bruno Fernandes dropping back into a more familiar midfield role.

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Elsewhere, Alejandro Garnacho bagged his first start since the FA Cup final, replacing Amad on the right-wing, and Matthijs de Ligt made his first start since arriving from Bayern Munich, taking Harry Maguire's place at centre-back.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Southampton, there is a possibility Ten Hag might be able to include Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund in his plans. Neither of them have featured for United so far this season because of calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

United, confirming Shaw would miss the start of the season four weeks ago, said they were hopeful the left-back would be available after the international break. The same juncture was identified as a realistic return date for Hojlund.

Whether they return on Saturday, against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup next Tuesday night or slightly further down the line, there is no doubt that once they are both back up to full fitness and match sharpness