Why Victor Lindelof is absent from Manchester United squad vs Liverpool

Victor Lindelof is absent from Manchester United's squad against Liverpool this weekend due to a minor injury.

Lindelof has been given a reduced role this season and he was not expected to start against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, but the defender was a notable absentee from the bench when the teams were confirmed at Anfield.

Ten Hag has named an unchanged side from the Carabao Cup final, which means first-choice centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have started in defence alongside Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at full-back.

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Lindelof started in the FA Cup earlier this week and he's represented defensive cover from the bench for the majority of the season, but United are without him against Liverpool and Ten Hag discussed his team selection prior to the game.

"It's coincidence, we could have started others but we thought this was the best line up for the game," Ten Hag told Sky Sports when asked whether it was a coincidence the team was unchanged from the Carabao Cup final.

"We have to play our best because we play against an incredible team. When they play on their levels, we must be really good to win but we like the challenge and we'll go for it. The mentality you need and every player has to bring a performance.

"When they don't, we have a problem, we know that, so we have to be ready. It's months ago [2-1 victory against Liverpool at Old Trafford], both teams have developed and you can't compare it. We have to think about the future."

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