Team News: Six Man United stars miss training ahead of Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Man United Team News

Liverpool welcome Man United to Anfield in a fixture that rarely needs extra fuel, yet both clubs arrive under pressure. Arne Slot, fresh from guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, is navigating the first real stumble of his reign. Three straight defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea have given rivals hope and critics a new angle. This meeting with Man United becomes more than a rivalry clash, it is a test of resilience.

Man United Training Absentees Raise Questions

Ruben Amorim’s Man United secured a much-needed 2-0 win against Sunderland before the international break, with Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko on the scoresheet. That result earned him breathing space, but their away form remains dismal. They have not won at Anfield since January 2016 and remain winless in five Premier League away matches.

Preparation for this trip has been disrupted. Multiple senior Man United players were not seen in Thursday’s training session at Carrington. Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan confirmed concerns over two key absentees, saying:

“Just to leave you with one more fitness update, we have not seen Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez especially – a lot of reports around his fitness.”

“He’s not quite ready to return to team training yet after being ruled out in February with an ACL injury. United are really taking care with his recovery.”

“Both players are part of the Manchester United players leadership group as well.”

Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha and Casemiro were also not in training. However, it was suggested that those four were granted extended leave after international duty, with Casemiro and Cunha travelling back from the Far East following friendlies.

Photo: IMAGO

Youth Players Step In

To compensate for the missing first-team figures, Amorim appears to have called up extra academy talent. Eight prospects were seen training with the senior squad, including Jacob Devaney, Tyler Fletcher, Shea Lacey, Sam Mather, Bendito Mantato, Reece Munro, Chido Obi and Jim Thwaites.

It is unclear how many of them will make the matchday squad, but the sight of so many youngsters involved suggests that Man United’s bench could look light.

Liverpool Outlook

While information from Liverpool’s camp remains limited, Slot will demand a strong reaction at Anfield. The crowd expects intensity, early pressure and a statement performance. A fourth straight defeat would trigger alarm bells, while a convincing display against Man United would restore calm immediately.

With doubts surrounding several of Amorim’s senior players and United’s long-standing struggle at Anfield, Liverpool will be seen as favourites. Yet derbies between Liverpool and Man United rarely follow logic.