Shock selection, new role for Amad and six changes - what Manchester United must do to have a chance vs Liverpool

Manchester United supporters have wondered how many they will lose by at Anfield three times this decade alone.

In January 2020, it was only two but it was double that in April 2022. United creditably defied expectations last season to hold Liverpool to a goalless draw.

When United performed decently for a half at Anfield under Erik ten Hag, they were battered 7-0 and that result signalled a gradual and neverending decline under the Dutchman.

United are winless in nine at Liverpool and last won on the red side of Stanley Park in January 2016. Nine games, four draws, five defeats, one goal scored and 18 conceded.

Liverpool away is the one fixture that this United, on a losing streak of four games and beaten in five of their last six in the Premier League, would not want. The coach journey to Anfield on Sunday afternoon may feel like a walk to the gallows.

As Ben Affleck says in Argo, there are only bad options. Ruben Amorim must find the best bad idea to get a result.

Spoiler alert: the Argo operation was a success.

Two in and two out

Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are certain starters following their one-match suspensions and it is just as well as Christian Eriksen and Casemiro cannot cope against Newcastle, never mind Liverpool.

Most expected Newcastle to win on Monday night. When the teamsheets were published, everyone knew they would win. Eriksen-Casemiro provided short-term gain in Ten Hag's first season but that axis has seldom served United well since.

Mainoo mania?

The daftest decision by Amorim yet as United head coach was to drop Mainoo against Newcastle. The 19-year-old has been out of form but he represents United's present and future whereas Eriksen is the past.

Mainoo was excellent in the stalemate