Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire have been dropped by Erik ten Hag for Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool.
Maguire has played 90 minutes in United’s opening two games of the new Premier League season but the club slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton, before being humbled 4-0 at Brentford last weekend after a defensive horror show.
Ten Hag has responded by pairing Raphael Varane with summer signing Lisandro Martinez against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Ronaldo, who told United earlier in the summer that he wanted to leave if a suitable offer came in, made his first start of the season in the Brentford mauling but is replaced by Anthony Elanga is the starting line-up for Monday’s showdown.
Tyrell Malacia also comes in at left-back, with Luke Shaw named on the bench, while Scott McTominay is preferred in midfield to Fred.
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Liverpool, who beat United by an aggregate score of 9-0 home and away last season, make three changes.
Joe Gomez replaces Nat Phillips in defence, while Jordan Henderson comes into midfield, with Fabinho on the bench. Roberto Firmino starts in attack in place of the suspended Darwin Nunez.
Klopp, like Ten Hag, is also looking for a first Liverpool win of the season after successive draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Manchester United vs Liverpool team news
Manchester United: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Fernandes, Eriksen, Sancho, Rashford, Elanga.
Subs: Heaton, Maguire, Ronaldo, Martial, Fred, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Van de Beek, Garnacha.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Milner, Henderson, Firmino, Elliott, Diaz, Salah.
Subs: Adrian, Davies, Fabinho, Tsimikas, Carvalho, Clark, Phillips, Bajcetic, Van den Berg.
(Photo: Getty Images)