Man United vs. Liverpool confirmed lineups, predicted starting 11, team news: Zirkzee to start, Chiesa to debut?

Manchester United face fierce rivals Liverpool in their first game after the close of the Premier League transfer window.

The two most successful sides in English football have had rather different periods in terms of transfer activity. Liverpool did not make a signing until this week, bringing in Federico Chiesa from Juventus after securing a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili , who will stay on loan in La Liga until 2025/26.

United have been far busier, bringing in Leny Yoro , Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee , while they hope to conclude a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte. As part of a squad overhaul masterminded by their new INEOS football structure, the likes of Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Willy Kambwala, Hannibal Mejbri and Scott McTominay have been moved on.

It means this latest chapter of this intense rivalry will pit a new-look Erik ten Hag team against a Liverpool side managed by his compatriot, Arne Slot, who oversaw two wins from the Reds' first two league games of the season. Should he make it three from three at Old Trafford, Reds fans will have a new hero.

The Sporting News looks at the latest team news for this fixture.

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Man United vs. Liverpool lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

The news that Mason Mount is once more facing several weeks out of action with a muscle injury was a big blow to United this week. With Scott McTominay heading for Napoli, they suddenly look light on midfield options, particularly as it feels unlikely Manuel Ugarte will be ready even if his move from Paris Saint-Germain is finalised early enough on deadline day.

Joshua Zirkzee may therefore get his first start, perhaps alongside Bruno Fernandes in the 4-2-2-2 set-up Ten Hag has favoured in 2024. Rasmus Hojlund is still out and Jadon Sancho appears set to leave, so Marcus Rashford will likely keep his place despite his poor form, with Alejandro Garnacho perhaps getting the nod ahead of Amad Diallo .

Man United predicted XI (4-2-2-2, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot — Casemiro, Mainoo — Garnacho, Rashford — Fernandes, Zirkzee

Injured: Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro
Suspended: None

New Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa could make his debut for the club at Old Trafford, although it's likely he would be a substitute.

Curtis Jones faces a battle to be fit after missing the win over Brentford, but Slot has an otherwise fully fit squad for this huge early test of his Anfield tenure.

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson — Gravenberch, Mac Allister — Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz — Jota

Injured: Curtis Jones (doubt)
Suspended: None

Man United vs. Liverpool live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions: