Harry Maguire could be set to lose his starting spot in Manchester United's defence for their Premier League game against Liverpool.
The Red Devils have lost their first two games of the season, conceding six times and only scoring through an own goal from Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Next up for Erik ten Hag's side is a home meeting with Liverpool - a fixture which resulted in a 5-0 defeat last season.
Maguire has played the full 180 minutes in the defeats against Brighton and Brentford, though the latter game saw Ten Hag make three substitutions at the break and admit more players could have been withdrawn. The manager faces a big decision in the coming days as United look to avoid a third successive defeat - a result which could keep them rock bottom.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Raphael Varane is "almost certain" to return to the first XI after playing 45 minutes at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday. He replaced Lisandro Martinez on that occasion, but Ten Hag may decide to pair Varane with the Argentine and leave Maguire on the bench.
United's players are said to prefer a more pragmatic approach against last season's Premier League runners-up. The same publication cites apparent concerns that Ten Hag's style doesn't suit the skill-sets of his squad members.
Maguire held his hands up after last season's heavy loss at home to Liverpool, admitting the performance was "nowhere near good enough". "We are all disappointed. We spoke in the dressing room, I'm here because I have to be here," he told Sky Sports after the game.
"The only real thing is we have to apologise to the fans. They stuck right with us, singing and chanting at 5-0, but for us as a club we have to do better."
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There aren't too many positives for United ahead of the game, but Liverpool's struggles could help. Jurgen Klopp's side have started the season with two draws, and have injury worries all over the pitch.
Diogo Jota's absence up front has been compounded by the three-match ban handed to Darwin Nunez for his red card against Crystal Palace on Monday night. Roberto Firmino could return, though, having missed the draw against the Eagles.
"He has to control himself, definitely," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said of Nunez. The Uruguay striker was shown a straight red card after headbutting opposition defender Joachim Andersen, and will sit out the next three league games.
"Obviously he was disappointed and also probably with himself. I think that's a separate thing, he has to manage himself, he has to be knowing that these things can happen, especially in the Premier League.”
