Erik ten Hag says he has decided who will captain Manchester United against Liverpool, with Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire unavailable.
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Portuguese skipper serving a banEngland defender nursing an injuryPressure building on Dutch coachWHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils are readying themselves for a testing trip to Anfield that has seen many write them off before a ball has been kicked. They will be without skipper Fernandes for a visit to Merseyside, with the Portuguese playmaker set to serve a ban after picking up five yellow cards. His predecessor as club captain at Old Trafford, England international defender Maguire, is also missing through injury.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT TEN HAG SAID
Ten Hag told reporters when asked if he has picked a new recipient of the armband: “Yes I know [who my captain will be].”
He added when asked for an update on Maguire’s groin problem and who could be available against Liverpool: “Harry will not be available for the coming games, but we don't think it's long term. Luke Shaw trained this morning, so we think he's available for Sunday. Marcus Rashford will be back, [Anthony] Martial not.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United desperately need to take something positive from their latest meeting with arch-rivals Liverpool having suffered regular Premier League setbacks this season, while also crashing out of the Champions League. Ten Hag said when asked about the pressure that is said to be building on his shoulders: “I'm focussing on the process, making the team better and that's my concern. That's what I'm focussing on, the right thing, and that's the team. There is no concern because I'm here to win and I have to make the team play better. Good is not good enough, we are inconsistent and I have to work on how the team will play.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Ten Hag is seeing questions asked of his future as United sit sixth in the Premier League table, 10 points back on leaders Liverpool, and also have no more European football to look forward to this season after finishing bottom of their Champions League group.