By OkayGoal 
Michael Carrick is set to keep changes to a minimum as Manchester United prepare to host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the manager backing the same core group that delivered a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford in midweek.
The win over Brentford was United’s ninth in thirteen league games under Carrick, and the momentum that has built since January makes a compelling case for continuity. Liverpool arrive as the sternest test yet of what this Man United side is capable of, and Carrick’s decision to largely stick with his preferred lineup sends a clear message about the trust he has placed in his players heading into this one.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo retain their places in the double pivot, providing the defensive foundation that allows Bruno Fernandes to operate freely as the number ten ahead of them. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo flank Fernandes in the attacking three, with Benjamin Sesko leading the line once again as the focal point of United’s attack.
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad; Sesko
Manchester United bench: Heaton, Yoro, Obi, Ugarte, Mount, Dorgu, Zirkzee
Key selection decisions for Carrick
Leny Yoro is fit enough to return to the matchday squad after his doubtful tag ahead of the Brentford game, but Carrick is not expected to rush him straight back into the starting eleven with the Maguire and Heaven partnership performing adequately. Yoro will provide cover from the bench and could come on should United need fresh legs or a defensive change in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee is also available from the bench, giving Carrick an alternative option up front if Sesko struggles to make his presence felt against Liverpool’s high defensive line. Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are both fit but face another wait for their opportunity, with the Casemiro and Mainoo axis unlikely to be broken up for a game of this magnitude.
Matthijs de Ligt remains out with a back problem, Lisandro Martinez serves the final match of his three-game ban, and Patrick Dorgu is still working his way back from a thigh injury, meaning the defensive options off the bench are limited to Yoro as the only recognised centre-back cover.
