How Manchester United could line up in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game vs Liverpool

Detailed summary

Michael Carrick’s successor faces tricky calls for baptism of fire at Anfield

Mauricio Pochettino is officially set to become the next Manchester United manager, and his first game will come just days after his start date.

The Red Devils return from the final international break of 2026 to face the daunting prospect of visiting arch-rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, November 22.

Pochettino inherits a side with just one win in 10 top-flight games this term, a string of results that have left Man Utd in the relegation zone.

The Argentine’s style of play centres around a high-press and an ability to build from the back - two things United have struggled with so far this season.

Injuries across the pitch will impact Pochettino’s selection, with Carlos Baleba and Benjamin Sesko definitely ruled out for the trip to Anfield.

In goal, Senne Lammens is established first-choice and that is unlikely to change with Pochettino’s arrival.

Interestingly, Pochettino might be tempted to copy Carrick and play Leny Yoro at right-back. Out of possession the right-back tucks in to form a three-man defence in Pochettino’s favoured system, but with an actual left-back fit, there is little reason to play defenders out of position.

For that reason, Diogo Dalot will likely start at right-back, with a much more simple defensive approach. Yoro and Ayden Heaven in the heart of defence could give United a bit more pace than a backline featuring Harry Maguire, but the experience of Lisandro Martinez may be hard to ignore as Pochettino balances a squad lacking in confidence.

Patrick Dorgu seems a strong fit at left-back. Antonee Robinson loved to get forward for Pochettino while on USA duty, and the wing-back is a proven attacking threat.

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