We have put together a combined XI of the best Man United and Liverpool players ahead of Sunday’s big game in the Premier League.
The Merseyside outfit are off to a flying start with 2 wins from 2 outings to commence their 2024/25 Premier League season. The Red Devils on the other hand fell to a defeat against Brighton after a late Joao Pedro winner for the Seagulls. That sees them with just 3 points from a possible 6 and worries among the Old Trafford faithful that they could be in for another season filled with ups and downs
It’s Liverpool who have had more success in recent years when compared to their Manchester rivals. So will they dominate this combined XI? Or will Man United’s big-money signings make their mark in this best XI? Find out our picks below.
Man United & Liverpool Combined XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper – André Onana (Man United)
Arguably the toughest decision in the combined XI is choosing between two world-class goalkeepers, Man United’s André Onana (28) and Liverpool’s Alisson (31). Both keepers fulfil the prototype of the quintessential modern keeper; comfortable with the ball at their feet, capable of getting off their line and sweeping around the back while also being able to turn defence into attack with their range of passing.
Alisson, since signing from Roma in 2018, quickly established himself as indispensable to Liverpool and has been a key figure in their multiple trophy successes. Onana, after having a “shaky” start at Man United, is a brilliant shot-stopper and has transformed the style of play for Erik ten Hag’s side.
This is a tough decision, but Onana has to contend with a less-than-settled defence in front of him and far more shots on his goal. For those reasons, he gets the nod over Liverpool’s Alisson.
Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
This is an easier decision at right back. Trent (25) is integral to Liverpool with his ball-playing ability, deadly crossing and tactical flexibility. While his defensive prowess is suspect at best, the Liverpool system protects him well and makes optimal use of his strengths.
Honourable mention to Man United’s Noussair Mazraoui (26) here who has shown glimpses of real quality since signing for Man United from Bayern. He has the potential to usurp Diogo Dalot (25) for that regular RB slot this season.
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s colossal captain and the man who was the catalyst to the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp. Van Dijk (33) gets the nod here.
While probably not the defensive force he was, having lost a step, the Dutchman has considerable experience, ball-playing ability and a defensive aptitude which gives him the nod here.
The closest to usurping him is his Dutch International colleague de Ligt (25) but he is new to the league and hasn’t established himself yet in England’s top flight. Man United will be hoping that €60M summer signing Leny Yoro (18) could be the best in the league in time.
Centre Back – Lisandro Martinez (Man United)
This is another easy choice, Martinez (26) is an old-school style defender whose aggressive nature and will to win is something Man United have failed to replicate since the departure of Nemanja Vidić in 2014. On top of that, the Argentine’s passing abilities are integral to United’s build-up play.
Ibrahima Konaté (25) is a strong defender and a competent partner to his aforementioned Liverpool colleague above, but he doesn’t make this 11.
Left Back – Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
This is a back four that almost picks itself as we have another straightforward decision here. Liverpool’s Robertson (30) might not be as good as he once was, but he has all the attributes one would wish for in a full-back. He is competent on the ball and can progressively carry and pass the ball whilst taking care of his defensive responsibilities when called upon.
When fit Luke Shaw (29) would be a strong contender for this slot, but fortunately for Robertson, Shaw is quite frankly never fit and as a result, the Scotsman gets the nod here. ‘Availability is the best ability’ as the old saying goes.
Central Midfielder – Kobbie Mainoo (Man United)
He’s the newest wonderkid to come out of Carrington and Kobbie Mainoo (19) is more than deserving of his place in this XI after his exploits for club and country since bursting onto the scene last season.
Mainoo already looks like the midfielder the club has been searching to find for decades now, anyone who watches Mainoo play can see that he demonstrates calmness and composure far beyond his years. Perhaps more telling is that when unavailable Man United look lost in his absence.
The young Red Devils star was England’s standout performer at Euro 2024 and his ceiling as a footballer is genuinely frightening. While he is more of a no. 8 he also possesses the ability to play a more defensive role in this attacking formation.
Central Midfielder – Alexis MacAllister (Liverpool)
A star for Argentina in their march to the 2022 FIFA World Cup win, the man with Irish heritage is the midfield choice in this side to slot beside Mainoo. MacAllister is an all-action multi-talented midfielder who can carry out jobs on the field in both attack (assists, shot-creating actions and progressive passes) and in a defensive sense (blocks, tackles and interceptions).
Man United’s Casemiro (32) is not the player he once was with his loss of legs becoming evident last season. However, United’s new signing from PSG, Manuel Ugarte (23), has the talent to take the role in this hypothetical team in the coming months and years.
Right Wing – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
This is a no-brainer choice, 159 Goals and 70 Assists in 265 Premier League games for the Kop’s adored ‘Egyptian King’. The 32-year-old takes the RW slot easily.
Amad Diallo (22) is promising but nowhere near the levels required yet to break into this combined XI while Alejandro Garnacho (20) is more of a natural LW.
Centre Attacking Midfielder – Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
It's hard to understand why some people continue to criticise the Man United Captain (29) and his influence on the club. Since joining the Red Devils, the one constant positive has been his performances and the difference in the side is night and day when Bruno is unavailable
Dominik Szoboszlai (23) is decent, but in comparison to Bruno, he is bonafide average.
Left Wing – Alejandro Garnacho (Man United)
An underwhelming position in a sense, I initially had Liverpool LW Luis Dias (27) in the side but his record of 25 Goals and 14 Assists in 100 Games for the club is solid albeit a little unspectacular. A consistent Marcus Rashford (26) would have this slot on lock, but that argument is redundant as he hasn’t been consistent in over a season.
Given that, I’m going with Argentinian ace Alejandro Garnacho (20) who became a consistent feature in the starting side last season. While he has been found on the RW in more recent times he’s a natural LW with an incredibly high ceiling. The Argentine gets the pick here.
Striker – Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
Up front is the weakest area in this team which is disappointing for two sides who have had their fair share of top-class and even world-class strikers in their histories.
For Man United, Rasmus Højlund (21) had a solid breakout season for the club but there’s plenty of improvement in him and with him injured, he is not considered here. Not enough has been seen of Joshua Zirkzee (23) yet even if he looks a good addition.
Therefore, by the process of being the most established Premier League player Diogo Jota (27) gets the pick here. While often found on the wing he has a respectable 25 Goals and 11 Assists in 65 Games for Liverpool from the CF position.
Verdict
So there you have it! Our combined Man United and Liverpool XI has 5 Man United players and 6 Liverpool players. But there are plenty of contentious choices and room for debate so feel free to let us know what would be your XI.
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