Senne Lammens
The young keeper’s composure stood out on his Manchester United debut, but he wasn’t severely tested for the most part. Liverpool haven’t been putting teams away this season, but they’ve assembled
some of the top forwards in Europe. With top-quality forwards, it’s only a matter of time before they find a combination that clicks, and this could, unfortunately for Manchester United, be that game. However, if Senne Lammens can show the firefighting qualities that got him the move this summer, United could get something more than just a point out of this game. They could rest easy knowing that they might’ve got the real deal in goal for the foreseeable future.
The Bench
United might have a good problem on their hands. The balance of the side looks better with Mason Mount in the inside left areas, which means that Matheus Cunha will probably have to sit on the bench. Now, Matheus Cunha has looked great in bursts, but without a strong midfield behind him, it doesn’t look like United can carry the three new forward signings. This is a shame, but having an option like Cunha off the bench is a good sign. Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain, but he’s another player who can provide moments. Games like this require everyone to contribute, and the bench will play a significant role in the outcome if United can stay in the game.
The Flanks
United got a lot of joy down the left flank in the same fixture last season, and they could potentially get it from the other flank as well this time around. We know that Mohammed Salah doesn’t track back anymore, which should allow Diogo Dalot a lot of room to get the ball up the pitch. On the other flank, it’s hard to predict who’ll start at left-back for Liverpool. Milos Kerkez has struggled in build-up play this season, and we know how unforgiving Amad Diallo can be when he senses that there’s a ball to nick. Even if Kerkez doesn’t start, Andy Robertson isn’t the same player he once was and has lapses of concentration with balls coming into the box. Both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are canny with their runs beyond or in front of the full-back. With good service, they could find the back of the net.
