Manchester United‘s visit to Anfield this Sunday is set to be a challenging fixture, especially as they face their fierce rivals, Liverpool, in the Premier League. The Red Devils are in the midst of a tough period, having suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions. With their new manager, Ruben Amorim, still attempting to find his footing at the club, a visit to league leaders Liverpool could add more misery to an already difficult start to the new year.
Injuries have played a significant role in Manchester United’s struggles this season, with several key players sidelined for extended periods. While the injury list has started to ease somewhat over the past month, there are still a number of important players unavailable for selection ahead of the Merseyside clash. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the players who are confirmed to miss the upcoming match against Liverpool, the impact of their absence, and what this means for United’s chances at Anfield.
Manchester United Injuries Ahead of the Liverpool Clash
As Manchester United head into one of their toughest fixtures of the season, they will have to do so without the services of some of their most influential players. The injury problems that have plagued the team this season have not completely subsided, and key absentees will make it all the more difficult for the Red Devils to mount a challenge against Liverpool.
Below, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the players who will be missing from the squad for the Liverpool clash, along with their current injury status and potential return dates.
Marcus Rashford
Status: Out
Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United has been one of the most talked-about stories in recent weeks. The winger, a product of United’s famed academy, has found himself exiled from the first-team squad following a series of disciplinary issues. Rashford’s absence is not purely down to injury, as he was notably excluded from the squad in recent games due to falling out of favor with manager Ruben Amorim. A misjudged public interview and some on-field issues led to his temporary demotion.
Despite his off-field troubles, Rashford has been a key player for United over the years, especially in high-profile fixtures such as the one against Liverpool. The 26-year-old has a strong track record in games against the Reds, and his presence could have been pivotal for United’s attacking options at Anfield. However, Rashford has also been battling illness recently, which has ruled him out of the upcoming match.
The timing of Rashford’s absence is particularly concerning, with the January transfer window now open. Speculation is rife that this could be his last season at Old Trafford, and his absence from the squad may be a sign that his future lies away from the club. Whether he plays again for United remains uncertain, but he will definitely miss the Liverpool clash.
Mason Mount
Status: Out
Mason Mount’s first season at Manchester United has been marred by injuries, and the midfielder continues to struggle with fitness. Mount, who joined the club from Chelsea in the summer, had initially impressed under Ruben Amorim’s management. However, his progress has been derailed by a muscle injury he sustained during the Manchester derby earlier this season.
The 25-year-old has not been able to build up any consistent form due to his ongoing injury problems, and it has left United without one of their most creative midfielders for a prolonged period. Mount had been expected to return in the coming weeks, but he will not be available for the Liverpool game.
Mount’s injury is another blow to United’s midfield, where the team has already been missing key players. The former Chelsea star’s absence leaves a significant void, particularly against a high-pressing side like Liverpool, who will likely dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match. Mount’s creativity and energy will be sorely missed in this crucial encounter.
Luke Shaw
Status: Out
Luke Shaw’s injury woes have been another ongoing issue for Manchester United this season. The left-back, who has been an integral part of the team for several years, has been struggling with fitness problems since the summer. After missing the first few months of the campaign due to an injury sustained after Euro 2024, Shaw returned to action in early autumn. However, he has since been sidelined once again due to a fresh injury setback.
Shaw’s lack of fitness has been a significant concern for United, particularly given the team’s struggles in defense this season. The English defender’s injury means that he will not be available for the trip to Anfield, and his absence leaves a hole in the left-back position.
Shaw’s ability to contribute both defensively and going forward makes him a key player for United, and his absence will likely leave them more vulnerable at the back. The left-back position is one of United’s weaker areas at the moment, and his injury exacerbates the team’s defensive frailties ahead of such a high-profile match.
Victor Lindelof
Status: Out
Victor Lindelof, another important figure in United’s defense, will also miss the clash with Liverpool due to injury. The Swedish international has been plagued by persistent injury issues this season, limiting his appearances for the club. Lindelof was last seen in action during the dramatic 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but he picked up a fresh injury in that match, which has ruled him out of the Liverpool fixture.
While Lindelof’s absence might not have as direct an impact as the missing attacking players, his injury leaves United with fewer options in central defense. The team has struggled defensively this season, and with Lindelof unavailable, United’s options are further reduced.
Lindelof has not featured regularly under Amorim, but his experience and solid defensive capabilities would have been an asset in a game against Liverpool. With the club already suffering from defensive fragility, his absence could make it even more difficult for United to keep Liverpool’s potent attack at bay.
Man Utd Players Missing from Liverpool Clash
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Marcus Rashford | Out |
| Mason Mount | Out |
| Luke Shaw | Out |
| Victor Lindelof | Out |
The Impact of These Injuries on Manchester United
The injuries to these key players come at a critical juncture in the season. Manchester United’s struggles this season have been compounded by inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in several key areas. With their recent form in tatters, and a tough fixture against Liverpool ahead, the absences of Rashford, Mount, Shaw, and Lindelof leave the team with even fewer options.
Ruben Amorim, who took over as manager in the summer, is still trying to implement his tactical vision for the team. However, the injuries to key players have made it difficult for him to field his strongest XI. This is especially true against a team like Liverpool, who are firing on all cylinders at the top of the Premier League table.
Rashford’s absence leaves United without one of their most dangerous attacking threats, while Mount’s injury robs them of a key creative presence in midfield. Shaw’s injury further weakens their defense, and Lindelof’s absence leaves them even thinner at the back. In what is expected to be a high-energy and intense encounter, Manchester United will have to rely on their remaining players to step up and deliver a performance worthy of a fixture against their biggest rivals.
Manchester United’s injury problems continue to haunt them as they prepare for their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. With a number of key players unavailable for selection, Ruben Amorim will have to find a way to patch together a competitive squad capable of competing against Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Liverpool side. While some of the injuries are expected to ease in the coming weeks, the Red Devils will need to dig deep if they are to avoid further embarrassment at the hands of their fiercest rivals.
