Manchester United XI vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest ahead of derby

Manchester United are waiting to see if Raphael Varane will be fit to face Liverpool in Tuesday’s big Premier League derby.

Ralf Rangnick takes his side to Anfield knowing that a victory would provide a huge boost to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League - while also delivering a blow to their rivals’ title hopes.

Former Real Madrid defender Varane is the big injury doubt ahead of the trip as he nears a return from a muscle injury.

“He’s the one who can hopefully come back for at least one of the next two games against Liverpool or Arsenal,” said Rangnick last week. “With the others, I don’t see them coming back within the next couple of days.”

Scott McTominay (foot), Edinson Cavani (calf), Luke Shaw (leg) and Fred (hip) continue to be unavailable for United.

Tactically speaking, Rangnick will have to decide whether to keep Jesse Lingard in his starting XI after a rare venture into the line-up for the win over Norwich.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start after his hat-trick but Paul Pogba’s place is less assured after he was substituted on the weekend, to a chorus of boos from the Old Trafford faithful.

Predicted Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Fernandes, Matic; Elanga, Sancho; Rashford, Ronaldo.

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.