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Manchester United tackle Liverpool in a rematch of the epic FA Cup quarter last of three weeks in the past.
The Crimson Devils got here out on prime 4-3 to open the ultimate worldwide break of the season within the excellent means.
Nevertheless, United’s return has been poor to say the least, with a 1-1 draw at Brentford and a daft 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.
In the present day’s match would be the 242nd instalment of the good North-west derby and each side want the win because the Merseysiders goal to return to the highest of the desk and United requiring the factors to construct their benefit on the chasing pack of Newcastle, West Ham and their conquerors on Thursday night time, Chelsea.
Listed here are some storylines to whet the urge for food.
How will Willy Kambwala carry out?
In a recurring theme of the 2023/2024 season, the Crimson Devils have quite a few centre again choices unavailable. Previously two matches, United have misplaced Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans all to damage.
Subsequently, the Outdated Trafford aspect haven’t any alternative however to area a defensive pairing of Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire.
The younger Frenchman has not dissatisfied when he has been known as upon however beginning in opposition to Liverpool is all the time an enormous ask.
Kambwala was surprisingly thrown into the primary eleven in opposition to West Ham simply earlier than Christmas to companion Jonny Evans as a result of one other damage disaster within the defensive division.
He didn’t disappoint as he stood up tall and performed 84 minutes of the tie. Regardless of being a daily member of the matchday squad, the Frenchman has solely really performed in 4 extra video games, for a complete of 47 minutes. Nevertheless this did embody 21 minutes on the Etihad and 24 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
He’s clearly extremely rated among the many United squad as his compatriot, Raphael Varane, claimed that the defender may have a “nice future” on the membership.
How he handles the strain will say lots in regards to the Crimson Devils’ possibilities of choosing up something from the match.
Will there be a 250th academy debut?
In a season of despair for United, there in all probability have solely been two actual vibrant spots. Reaching the semi-final of the FA Cup and likewise the play of younger gamers reminiscent of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
The season has additionally seen debuts for academy merchandise Kambwala, Omari Forson and Dan Gore.
This has positioned the Mancunian aspect on the spectacular variety of 249 academy gamers to make their debut for the senior aspect.
With no obtainable left again, it has been reported that United will draft in summer season signing, Harry Amass, to the senior squad.
The proficient left again has loved a really profitable season with the all-conquering beneath 18 aspect however was disregarded of yesterday’s 1-9 demolition of Liverpool, as he’s prone to be a part of the senior match day squad.
This has naturally led to hypothesis on whether or not the participant will begin and even get a couple of minutes beneath his belt. Even when he simply sits on the bench, to soak within the environment and be a part of the altering room on such an enormous day might be of immense expertise for the teen aiming to interrupt into the primary workforce setup.
Can United keep away from extra undesirable historical past?
In keeping with the BBC, United’s 12 Premier League losses this marketing campaign is their joint most for the reason that league started in 1992.
These occurred within the 2013-2014 and the 2021-2022 season, the place each managers David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ended up sacked.
If the Crimson Devils have been to lose this match or the truth is, any of their remaining seven matches after right this moment’s contest, the 2023/2024 version of the aspect may have misplaced extra video games than any United workforce in Premier League historical past.
The Crimson Devils have already made undesirable historical past this week as they turned the aspect with a lead on the newest stage of a sport, 99 minutes and 17 seconds, and nonetheless go on to lose the match.
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