Manchester United XI vs Liverpool: Ronaldo and Maguire dropped - Starting lineup, confirmed team news

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made three big calls for tonight's clash with Liverpool, with captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo dropped at Anthony Elanga starts

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were reportedly ahead of the club captain in Ten Hag’s thoughts after the 4-0 defeat to Brenftord, and those reports appear to have been true with Maguire on the bench for the visit of the fierce rivals.

Martinez has struggled so far, and will have his hands full with Liverpool's forward line.

Ronaldo's absence from the lineup is more surprising, despite his desperation to leave, given his undeniable talent in the face of a string of below-par performances around him.

Martial was hoping to start after mpressed during pre-season, especially in a 4-0 win over Liverpool in Australia, though the Reds team that day was at best second string. Elanga gets the nod up top.

Scott McTominay also starts, alongside Christian Eriksen, in the face of incoming competition from Casemiro.

Confirmed team news

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen, McTominay, Fernandes; Sancho, Elanga, Rashford.