Introduction

As Manchester United gears up for their much-anticipated clash against rivals Liverpool this Sunday at Anfield, they are facing an uphill battle marked by the absence of three crucial players. However, there appears to be a glimmer of hope as the Red Devils are set to welcome back two influential figures.

Current Situation

This season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Manchester United, who currently find themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings. The team has suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions, leading to growing frustrations among fans and stakeholders. New manager Ruben Amorim has struggled to reverse the team's fortunes, securing only two wins in his first eight matches at the helm.

Recent Performance

The situation worsened following their latest loss to Newcastle United at Old Trafford, a match that saw United’s defensive strategies fall apart spectacularly. After conceding two early goals, Amorim made a controversial decision to substitute Joshua Zirkzee just 30 minutes into the match, which drew derisive chants from the home crowd.

Player Returns

Despite the gloomy outlook, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of captain Bruno Fernandes and summer signing Manuel Ugarte, both of whom missed the previous match due to suspension. Their experience and leadership will undoubtedly be invaluable against a Liverpool side that is hungry to capitalize on United's struggles.

Additionally, Matthijs de Ligt made his return against Newcastle after recovering from an illness, reinforcing the defense that has faced criticism for its recent performances. Forward Marcus Rashford also made the bench last match, indicating he may be in contention for a return, although his future in the squad remains uncertain under Amorim's leadership.

Injury Concerns

In the injury department, the Red Devils are still without key players Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Mason Mount, who will all miss the upcoming fixture.

Liverpool's Situation

On the other side of the pitch, Liverpool will welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai after his suspension, which adds more firepower to their attacking lineup. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they will be missing defender Joe Gomez due to an injury sustained during a match against West Ham. Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley have also been sidelined with injuries throughout the festive period but are expected to make their return later this month.

Conclusion

The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting for both teams. Will Manchester United be able to turn their fortunes around against their arch-rivals, or will Liverpool capitalize on United’s fragile state? Fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this crucial fixture!