Manchester United's interim boss Michael Carrick faces a rare selection headache ahead of Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford—but for all the right reasons. With nearly his entire squad fit and firing, Carrick has the luxury of choice as he looks to mastermind a statement result against the league leaders.
The big news from Friday's press conference was the return of Matheus Cunha to full training. The Brazilian forward missed the midweek win over Brentford but is now "hopeful" of featuring against Jurgen Klopp's side. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has shrugged off the knock he picked up in that same game, putting him on course for an unprecedented run of starting every league match this season.
The only confirmed absentees are Matthijs de Ligt (back injury) and Lisandro Martinez, who serves the final game of his three-match ban for that infamous ponytail tug on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Their absence, however, opens the door for a defensive unit that has quietly built momentum.
In defence, expect Diogo Dalot to retain his right-back spot, with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven continuing their promising partnership at centre-half. Shaw slots in on the left. But don't be surprised if Noussair Mazraoui gets the nod ahead of Dalot—his defensive discipline has been exceptional, and against Liverpool's potent attack, Carrick may prioritize solidity over flair. Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu are pushing for minutes but look set to start on the bench.
Further forward, the midfield picks itself. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo have been a revelation in recent weeks, combining grit and guile to dominate the engine room. With Manu Ugarte struggling for form, the Brazilian-Ivorian duo is a lock. Bruno Fernandes will pull the strings in his preferred number 10 role, tasked with unlocking Liverpool's high line.
Up top, the fitness of Cunha is the key variable. If he's ready to start, he walks straight back into the lineup. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad have both been quiet of late, and while Carrick insisted Amad's half-time substitution against Brentford was tactical, the Ivorian's performance had been lackluster. Mbeumo is tipped to start on the right, with Ben Sesko leading the line. Mason Mount looked sharp off the bench on Monday and offers an intriguing option, while Josh Zirkzee is a longer shot for a starting role.
With Liverpool's relentless attack bearing down on Old Trafford, Carrick's selection will be crucial. A fully fit squad—minus two—gives him the tools to craft a game plan that could finally halt the Reds' charge. For United fans, the sight of Shaw, Casemiro, and Mainoo in the same XI is a tantalizing prospect. This one has all the makings of a classic.