The two go head to head on Monday night to put bragging rights and a potential title challenge on the line, but who makes the best combined XI?
The two most successful clubs in British history meet on Monday night as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool take on Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United with not just rivalry on the table.
Both sides have been down on their luck in recent years looking scarcely like title challengers, but this season The Reds and The Red Devils look best-placed to rectify that, setting up one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in Premier League history.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action
Liverpool ‘s free-flowing and imperious attack have the expression and goals to fire their way past any side in the division, while Manchester United have one of the most successful managers in the world at the helm and the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at their disposal.
With Liverpool faring slightly better than their rivals, all it takes is a win for the momentum to shift and knock the confidence from Klopp’s side.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Leicester
Yet three points against United would signal a huge show of intent and the belief Liverpool really can challenge for Premier League honours.
But let’s put aside the animosity for one moment to appreciate the star-studded talent running through both sides which combined, could form one of the most dangerous sides in the league.
So who does make the best XI from both Liverpool and Manchester United? Read on to find out.
Manchester United’s David De Gea warms up before the match
Goalkeeper: David de Gea – Manchester United
A straight-forward choice in goal with David de Gea getting the nod over Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. The Spaniard is also first choice for his country and regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
De Gea signed a new deal last season after being courted by Real Madrid, but a return to his homeland could happen if United don’t land the Premier League title any time soon.
Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia in action with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy
Right back: Antonio Valencia – Manchester United
In the past, Antonio Valencia has been hit-and-miss at full-back instead of the flying winger he used to be at Old Trafford.
But he’s stepped up his game this season despite a poor showing in the defeat over Manchester City and has the faith of Mourinho over Matteo Darmian and exciting youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren in action with Chelsea’s Oscar
Centre back: Dejan Lovren – Liverpool
Since the arrival of Klopp, one man who has turned his form around drastically is former figure of hate Dejan Lovren.
The Croatian has been a strong performer in an otherwise susceptible defence for Liverpool and a goal against Chelsea has only gone and helped his standing at Anfield.
No longer the error-prone centre back of his first season, Lovren is composed but also a committed defender who would be extremely useful to have in the side.
Manchester United’s Eric Bailly in action with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy
Centre back: Eric Bailly – Manchester United
For the best part of £30m, United were expecting a big deal when they signed Eric Bailly from Villarreal and it looks to be money well spent.
The 22-year-old’s athleticism has made him an instant favourite in Manchester, while adding some much-needed physicality to United’s defence.
Not afraid to throw himself into anything, which makes him a bit rash, but has the capability to be something very special.
Liverpool’s James Milner celebrates
Left back: James Milner – Liverpool
Such is James Milner’s work-rate you could play him at left back and he’d do a decent job there. So that’s exactly what Klopp has done.
The midfielder-by-trade has proven himself to be Liverpool’s best left back and such has been his impressive performances and deadly penalty taking, the former England international deserves a spot in the team if not in the position we all expected.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana celebrates scoring their first goal against Hull
Centre midfield: Adam Lallana – Liverpool
It took him a while, but Adam Lallana is finally showing why Liverpool forked out big money to Southampton for him two years ago.
Three goals and three assists this campaign in a more central role has allowed Lallana the freedom to roam and as a result allowed him to flourish without being shackled to the sidelines.
His creativity and intensity have been vital to Liverpool’s form this season.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action
Centre midfield: Paul Pogba – Manchester United
It took him a while to get going, but in the last few weeks Paul Pogba has grown re-accustomed to life at Old Trafford with his influence increasing game on game.
The world record signing opened his account against Leicester City and provided a man of the match display, while his skill and ability on the ball puts him amongst the world’s very best.
It won’t be long until Pogba starts to add more goals and assists to his tally as long as he still has the blessing to play in a free role.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their second goal against Chelsea
Centre midfield: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Don’t scoff. Jordan Henderson isn’t the most popular player in the Premier League hated by everyone aside from Liverpool fans, but the England regular has justified his inclusion with his strong start to the season.
A thunderbolt against Chelsea helped his side to a 2-1 win but Henderson provides the anchor in midfield to allow the likes of Lallana and Gini Wijnaldum to push forward.
Monday night will prove a stern test for the Reds skipper against Pogba et al, but he has the discipline to go toe to toe with the Frenchman.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Hull with Sadio Mane
Left wing: Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool
Liverpool’s talisman is no stranger to the sublime, with Philippe Coutinho’s stunning free kick against Arsenal getting his side going in their 4-3 win on the opening day of the season.
A further two goals and two assists as part of Liverpool’s formidable three in attack has the Brazilian playmaker in line for his best season ever in a red shirt.
Coutinho usually blows hot or cold but he’s becoming increasingly consistent since Klopp’s arrival.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Manchester United
The main man himself. Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a storming start to life in the Premier League with four goals in his first five games.
His ability and physicality at 35 is extraordinary and although the goals have dried up a little, the Sweden star is bound to bounce back and find his form soon.
Zlatan definitely shows no sign of slowing down just yet.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their third goal
Right wing: Sadio Mane – Liverpool
Sadio Mane takes his place on the right wing thanks to his impressive goalscoring credentials. Three goals in six Premier League appearances is paying dividends for Liverpool who spent a lot of money to bring him to Merseyside.
The Senegalese has helped his side to 26 goals this season and looks set to reach double figures again for the third time since his arrival in English football.
So that’s your line-up and this is how they look in a 4-3-3 formation:
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