How Man United Could Line Up Without Bruno Fernandes Against Liverpool

Man United might have to face Liverpool without Bruno Fernandes on Sunday.

The Portuguese international put in a Man of the Match performance against Atalanta in the Champions League earlier this week. Fernandes was instrumental to his side completing an impressive comeback against the Serie A side.

However, despite playing every minute of the game on Wednesday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that the midfielder did indeed pick up a knock. This makes his involvement in United’s next outing doubtful.

And although the gaffer assured that the club is working on getting the playmaker back to 100%, his absence on Sunday is a real possibility. The question of how the Red Devils will cope without their talisman is a question of urgency.

In the Portuguese’s absence, the playmaking duties will have to be taken over by Paul Pogba. The former Juventus man is the next best option available to fill in the No. 10 role followed by Donny van de Beek. The Dutchman is certainly more of a natural in that position, but Pogba’s form this season has been exceptional making him the clear winner in this case.

A midfield pivot of Nemanja Matic and Fred will play behind the Frenchman with the ex-Chelsea man playing a defensive role whilst the latter occupies box-to-box responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof will partner Harry Maguire in defense as Raphael Varane is still recovering from injury. The usual duo of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will occupy fullback positions.

Lastly, a front-three of Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jadon Sancho can provide both firepower and playmaking prowess.

Here’s what the starting XI could look like:

Goalkeeper: De Gea

Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw

Midfielders: Fred, Matic

Playmakers: Sancho, Pogba, Rashford

Striker: Ronaldo

Formation: 4-2-3-1