Mueez Ajao
– The Red Devils have made big changes as they look to earn points for the first time this season.
– Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and star attacker Cristiano Ronaldo have been dropped from the starting XI to face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday. The pair had to settle for a place in the bench for the headline clash against last season’s Premier League runners-up.
– Maguire completed both of United’s previous two matches in the English top-flight, lining up at the heart of the defence alongside new signing Lisandro Martinez, while Ronaldo featured in both games, playing the full 90 minutes against Brentford last week.
Also Read: Rooney says he would drop Ronaldo and Rashford for Liverpool clash
– Coach Erik ten Hag has opted to switch things up in his back-line for the match against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
📋 Erik's named our line-up to face Liverpool.
Come on, United! 🔴⚪️⚫️#MUFC || #MUNLIV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 22, 2022
– Manchester United were humiliated in each of their first two matches of the new season, first going down 2-1 at home against Brighton and then getting thrashed by Brentford 4-0 with all four goals coming inside the first 35 minutes.
– Ten Hag has reacted by leaving Maguire out of the first-team and bringing Raphael Varane into the fold to partner Martinez. The French and Argentine centre-backs were partnered together in training sessions last week and the ex-Ajax manager has been persuaded to test them out on home soil on Monday.
– Additionally, Ronaldo has been dropped in favour of forwards Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. The Portugal legend came off the bench in the season opener before starting last weekend.
