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Manchester United and Liverpool have always had a fierce rivalry in football, so when these two meet, you can expect all hell to break loose. Much of it stems from simple competition; given how much the teams have accomplished over the years, the arguments over which club is better is understandable.
In recent years, United have slipped under the radar due to lacklustre performances, whilst Liverpool have been fighting for the title. For much of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign as Man United manager, Liverpool were, granted, a good side, but they struggled to achieve a great deal. What the Reds had managed in the noughties paled in comparison to what they had achieved in the eighties.
These two Premier League titans are set to meet each other on Sunday (24th February) at 2.05pm. With that said, here is my personal take on the best combined eleven from both sides, in a formation of 4-3-3.
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)
This is perhaps one of the trickiest decisions to make out of the lot. David de Gea is certainly one of the world's best in-between the sticks, but given just how well Alisson has been performing for Liverpool lately, you could argue that he deserves this spot. But I don't think the Brazilian is as consistent in goal as De Gea, and that's why he's missed out here.
De Gea has blossomed over the years into what he is now; it didn't happen overnight. Alisson may have done well with Roma, but now is his real time to shine in the Premier League, and like e Gea, it will take time for his potential to be realised. Until then, he shall always be second place to someone of De Gea's calibre.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Alexander-Arnold is undoubtedly one of the top young talents in the Premier League, let alone in terms of right-backs. To have achieved some of the feats he has at such a young age speaks volumes about his footballing ability, not to mention the fact he's a starter for one of the best clubs in the country. The likes of United's Antonio Valencia or Ashley Young might have been competition for this spot in their heyday, but they're older now and certainly nowhere near AA's ability.
Centre-back: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Joel Matip has been in fine form for the Reds in recent weeks, and pairs up well alongside van Dijk in the heart of Liverpool's defence. He's tall, he's strong, and he's got a fair bit of pace to him, which makes him a nightmare for strikers to try and get past. I did consider putting Chris Smalling in this spot, but he has shown signs of slowing down recently, so Matip deservedly gets this choice.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
I imagine that once you saw Matip take up the other centre-back role, you knew who his partner was going to be. Virgil van Dijk was a no-brainer choice for this spot. He's one of the best defenders in the world right now, and could easily become the best in the near future.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
The decision to put Andrew Robertson in at left-back means that the entirety of this defence is from Liverpool. What this says about Manchester United is up to your interpretation. As for why Robertson got my pick is pretty obvious, like van Dijk, he's one of the best defenders in the world right now - certainly one of the best in the Premier League. Not only does he possess speed, but he can whip in crosses, execute killer passes, and even strike on goal when space opens up.
Right Centre-Midfielder: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Paul Pogba is an obvious choice for this role. The World Cup winner can do it all in the centre of the park and he's an asset to any side he's been with, whether it's Juventus, France, or United. He can pick out a pass that splits the opposition defence in a flash, and even has an eye for goal that forces defences to be on edge in case he strikes.
Centre-Midfielder: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)
Nemanja Matic is the ideal choice in the central midfielder role, and could be used for both the attack and defence, though it's his defensive ability that gets him the most praise. He was a rock in the middle for Chelsea and is now doing the same for United. I had considered putting Jordan Henderson into this role, but Matic has that edge about him that Henderson lacks.
Left Centre-Midfielder: Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
Quick, agile, and strong, Georginio Wijnaldum is the full package. He has been integral to the Liverpool side this season and is the main factor behind why they're soaring towards the title. It's safe to say that he's settled well at Anfield since moving from Newcastle a few years ago.
Right Winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
What more is there to say? Salah has proved himself time and time again out on the pitch for Liverpool, and he's showcased exactly why he's been regarded as one of the best in the league for some time now. He poses such a threat to the opposition that it would be laughable not to include him in this position.
Striker: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Rashford has got 9 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League this season. He is a constant threat in front of goal, able to unleash a powerful shot at any moment - and you know that once it's left his boot, it's going to most likely be on target, so 'keepers must be aware. Another contender for this spot would have been Roberto Firmino, but I think the ability that Rashford has slightly outweighs that of Firmino. Rashford's versatility is what makes him key in teams like this.
Left Winger: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane's rapid acceleration and agility are what gives him the edge over any United player who could've taken this position. Mane's speed is virtually unmatched in the Premier League, and he wreaks havoc for full-backs on the flanks. Add to that his ability to cut inside and shoot, and you have a real danger on your hands.
