It’s a very quick turnaround for Manchester United, as they go from facing the league’s bottom side to the team knocking on the door of the very top. United, no wait, sorry, Cristiano Ronaldo beat Norwich City 3-2 on Saturday, but now it’s a major step up in class when the Red Devils take on arch-rivals Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at the latest team news for the Northwest England derby.
Manchester United at Liverpool FYIs
Kickoff: 3pm ET, Tuesday, Apr 19
TV Channel: USA Network
Starting XI Predictions: United Liverpool
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Team News: United Liverpool
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window Keep or Cut Series
Midfielders Attack Defenders Goalkeepers
Raphael Varane could return to action for while Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani and Fred are all expected to be sidelined for this one. Also ruled out is Luke Shaw, who is most likely done for the season now.
Elsewhere Nemanja Matic announced, via his Instagram account that he’s leaving the club at the end of the season.
Finally, Paul Pogba was intensely booed by the Old Trafford Faithful, and while the reasons for that are painfully obvious to the objective outside observer, caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick questioned this action by the fans.
“I can understand if that the fans are frustrated and disappointed – so are we. Things have stayed, as far as I know, peaceful all the time.
“I don’t think it makes sense to take on and to target any individual person or players because it’s a collective responsibility.
“Even if you look into the past, for me it doesn’t make sense and this is why I will always defend and protect my players.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.