Gary Neville believes Ruben Amorim should consider bringing Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho back into the starting lineup as Manchester United face Liverpool this weekend.
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After their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday, the Red Devils have now lost nine of their 19 Premier League games this season.
This poor run of form leaves United 14th in the table, just seven points clear of relegation, and contrasts sharply with Liverpool, who sit comfortably at the top, eight points ahead of their nearest challengers. Amorim’s side will travel to Anfield on Sunday, but Neville admits he struggles to see how United can compete with Arne Slot’s team.
On his Sky Sports podcast, Neville suggested that Amorim could build on the one bright spot in recent weeks—a win over Manchester City—and reintroduce Rashford and Garnacho. Despite Amorim’s reported frustrations with the pair, Neville believes they could pose a threat to Liverpool’s defense.
“I have no idea how they approach this game,” Neville admitted. “Manchester United have had tough times at Anfield in recent years. Amorim can only point to the City win as inspiration. Players might come back, but it’s desperate now.
Garnacho and Rashford may not have shown the right attitude in training, but they have the pace and ability to trouble Liverpool’s full-backs. Amorim faces a tough decision: maintain his standards or do what’s necessary to stop the slide.”
Both Rashford and Garnacho were benched against Newcastle, with Garnacho making a second-half appearance while Rashford remained unused.
On Rashford’s return to the squad, Amorim explained: “We have injuries, and I choose my players every week. This time, he was available.”
Manchester United will also regain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte for the Liverpool clash after both served suspensions.
Their return may stabilize a midfield that struggled against Newcastle, where Amorim’s choice to pair Christian Eriksen and Casemiro drew criticism.
“These two players can’t run,” Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports. “This is on the manager. Playing Eriksen and Casemiro together in that system was never going to work. That’s Amorim’s mistake.”
As Sunday approaches, Amorim faces mounting pressure to deliver a performance that could shift United’s fortunes and ease fears of a relegation battle.
