Two players Ruben Amorim should drop and three who must start for Man United v Liverpool

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Manchester United return to action after the international break against Liverpool on Sunday evening.

Ruben Amorim’s side have endured a rollercoaster start to the season, having won just three of their first seven Premier League games and crashed out of the Carabao Cup.

Speculation around the head coach’s future has been rife, and TBR Football revealed the hierarchy had drawn up a list of replacements, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to give him at least three years in the job.

It is crucial, then, that United string together a run of positive results, starting at Anfield. Here, we take a look at the selection decisions that will have been weighing on Amorim’s mind.

Start – Kobbie Mainoo

This is a no-brainer, especially considering Kobbie Mainoo is expected to explore a departure in January should he fail to get more game time before the window opens.

The midfielder is an expert at playing out under pressure, and his intelligence on the ball will help keep United up the pitch against a Liverpool side that presses at full throttle.

He is also a goal threat in and around the edge of the penalty area, while his desire to link up with team-mates in tight spaces may help the visitors capitalise on any shaky defending.

His future at his boyhood club depends on him getting the minutes he deserves, and putting him back in the firing line on Merseyside would be a much-needed show of faith.

Start – Leny Yoro

Leny Yoro has drawn comparisons to Nemanja Vidic in recent months, and in truth, he hasn’t put a foot wrong since his trial by fire against Southampton back in January.

He is a Rolls-Royce defender capable of covering distances quickly, and he rarely makes the wrong decision, settling an error-strewn Man United backline down when they are under pressure.

Equally impressive on the ball, Leny Yoro is able to break the lines with incisive passes and switches out to the opposite side, a hallmark of Amorim’s style of play.

He is also physical and not easily flustered, traits which will be crucial in the Anfield din.

Start – Casemiro

Despite him playing a lot of football for Brazil during the international break, Amorim must keep Casemiro in his starting XI this weekend. He will be integral to shutting Liverpool down in midfield.

The veteran’s future at Old Trafford is understandably uncertain, but his turnaround in recent months has been nothing short of remarkable.

All of a sudden, he looks at least a few years younger, scampering across to challenge opponents in one moment before timing a late run into the box to meet a cross in the next.

United need experience and know-how in games of this magnitude, and Casemiro can help to set an example. He would also be a handy goal threat on set-pieces.

Drop – Luke Shaw

Amorim believes Luke Shaw is “world class”, but the prospect of Liverpool looking to release runners in behind down the channel spells trouble for the defender.

He no longer possesses that electric turn of pace and Mohamed Salah could get the better of his opponent in a foot race – a scenario in which United have conceded too often.

Rio Ferdinand believes Shaw cannot sense danger, and he has been guilty of losing his man on counter-attacks while in a back three, so it would be wise for United to play a natural centre-half instead.

The 30-year-old remains one of the loudest voices in the dressing room, and Amorim will undoubtedly appreciate his leadership, but he simply cannot start at Anfield.

Drop – Bryan Mbeumo

Admittedly, this is a controversial decision. However, there is a clear justification for it.

Bryan Mbeumo has been solid since arriving at United, scoring two goals and registering an assist, but he has been inconsistent in too many matches.

Against Liverpool, Amorim needs known quantities, so it currently makes more sense to play Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as the two No 10s, and keep Mbeumo in reserve.

Matheus Cunha is also in contention to start, and the prospect of both he and the Cameroonian coming off the bench during the second half is a formidable one.

Recommended Man United starting XI: Lammens, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Amad, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu, Fernandes, Mount, Sesko