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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Four things spotted in Man United training as Erik ten Hag hints at new midfield vs Liverpool FC

Manchester United players were working hard on their pressing and shooting at Carrington this Wednesday ahead of Monday's visit of Liverpool.

United fans are expecting a big reaction from their players after Saturday's humbling 4-0 defeat to Brentford. No player escaped criticism at the weekend as the Bees ran riot.

Things will not get easier for the Reds as they welcome Jurgen Klopp's side to Old Trafford this Monday. Liverpool have not had the best start themselves and are also chasing their first victory but will have to do so without star signing Darwin Nunez who was sent off against Crystal Palace this week.

ALSO READ: Southampton leading chase to sign Garner

MEN Sport has taken a look at Wednesday's training session and here is what we spotted.

'Work together'

There was a very clear message sent to the players during the drills at Carrington this week: work together. It seems rather simple, however, it was something that was severely lacking at Brentford.

Pressuring the opposition in packs is clearly a strategy Ten Hag is trying to implement ahead of the Monday evening kick-off. Several players were taking part in these drills including Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and perhaps a new midfield partnership for the Liverpool clash.

New midfield partnership for Liverpool?

Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay were seen working together during the pressing exercise on Wednesday. Wholesale changes are expected at the Theatre of Dreams for the next fixture and it was clear that Christian Eriksen and Fred did not have the best of times in the capital.

Playing Eriksen in the deeper role did not help the Dane who looked like a fish out of water. Ten Hag may have decided to breathe fresh life into the centre of the park as they look to get their season up and running.

James Garner features

MEN Sport revealed on Monday that Ten Hag is open to selling the former Nottingham Forest loanee this summer. It is understood that United value the midfielder at between £15million and £20m.

Considering the Reds' lack of defensive midfield options, this decision has come as a surprise to supporters. Despite his future looking to be away from Old Trafford, Garner still featured in first-team training along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly who are also transfer listed.

James Garner is pictured second in from the left (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Youngsters continue to play their part

Garner was not the only youngster who took part in training this week. The likes of Matej Kovar, Ethan Galbraith and Charlie Savage all featured at Carrington as Ten Hag perused his options ahead of Monday.

With United's first-team options currently stretched, the Dutch coach may look to the academy ahead of Monday's huge clash.

Ethan Galbraith and Charlie Savage going through their paces (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

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