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Five things Van Gaal must do as Manchester United host Liverpool

With the biggest game, in terms of rivalry at least just around the corner, Manchester United and Liverpool are set to take one each other on Saturday. Both clubs need a win to get their season back on track and the Red Devils will be hoping to continue their good run against Liverpool as they had beaten the Merseyside club in both the league games last season.

Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal

United lost against Swansea in their last Premier League game but Louis van Gaal will hope his new signing Anthony Martial can help the club from Manchester get the better of their rivals once again. Wayne Rooney seems to be in great form at the moment having scored in both of England’s UEFA 2016 qualifying games and after breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record, could he be set to break his duck in the Premier League this season?

We list out five things that Louis van Gaal must do to get the better of Liverpool in their late kick off on Saturday.

Not play Blind in defence

Like a fish at a seafood restaurant, Daley Blind does not look comfortable playing in the heart of defence. Louis van Gaal persists with playing the Dutch midfielder in that role but that can get exploited by Liverpool. The centre of defence hasn’t been the best this season for the Red Devils but Blind isn’t the solution to that problem.

Play with two wide men

Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay

United might want to play with Juan Mata but they should try to play him out wide. Last season an Anfield, it was Mata playing a little wider who got the first goal of the game for the Red Devils and playing him in a similar role along with Depay can stretch Liverpool’s team, who normally play a narrow shape. United exploited it last season and they could do it this time around as well.

Give Martial a go with Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney might not have scored this season in the Premier League but he cannot be dropped, he should be played with the new big money signing that is Anthony Martial. The youngster might be an unknown quantity in the league at the moment and giving the French striker the go might be an ace that can disrupt Liverpool but also provide Rooney with a striker to work with.

Carrick must start

Michael Carrick might not be the biggest name in the Manchester United midfield thanks to the influx of players into the club but he still is one of the best in his role and playing him against Liverpool would give the Red Devils someone who can control the tempo of the game and provide that killer ball from midfield to unlock the defence.

 

Schneiderlin could be the key

Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin has probably been the best defensive midfielder in the league this season and playing him in this game could ensure United get all the three points. The Frenchman has been in excellent form and if he can help nullify the Liverpool midfield, that would give United control of proceedings in the game, plus he is a tough tackler and you need someone who can get into the game and rile up the players if that is needed.