Although Manchester United started off their 2016-2017 season brilliantly, after 7 games they find themselves 6th on the table, 5 points behind League leaders Manchester City.

Except for a hand full of players, the team as a unit has failed to stand up against stubborn oppositions. The future of Wayne Rooney was under question before the season started but it’s becoming clear that his time at United might just be up, he has been dropped to the bench, in order to quicken pace going forward. It’s still early days but there is still nervousness regarding the form of Paul Pogba, who became the most expensive player in the history after he moved from Juventus to Old Trafford in the summer.

Manchester United will now take on Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Liverpool team at the Anfield stadium, in a Monday night encounter. Liverpool are currently fourth on the table and have been scoring goals for fun in recent weeks. Mourinho will need to get his troops pumped up and focussed before this crucial encounter, a defeat here after the loss against City, will do an unrepairable damage to the confidence of the side. The big money signings will need to stand up and deliver, otherwise, it could turn out to be a very long season for the Red Devils.

Here are the three players we feel should start for United on Monday.

Marcus Rashford

What a year this youngster is having. After cementing his place in the squad with some breathtaking performances last season, Rashford has carried on this season and is one of the most dangerous players in that squad right now. With all the talk being about Liverpool’s lethality going forward, their defense is still a weak point which can be exploited by Rashford. The England international will be a great threat from the wings, as his pace and directness will definitely trouble the Liverpool back-line, hence there is no doubt that he should be given a chance from the start come Monday.

Juan Mata

The Spaniard was shown the exit door at Chelsea by Mourinho himself, therefore doubts regarding his future at Old Trafford were justified before the start of the season. However, the former Chelsea playmaker has taken the limited opportunities handed to him and has quickly made himself a vital player in that squad. He was brought into the starting XI in place of Wayne Rooney and has done a much better job at creating goalscoring opportunities and even finding the back of the net. He will be vital in what United do going forward.

Eric Bailly

Though Bailly started off strongly this season, he has struggled to find that same solidity in the last month or so but still he is by far the most solid defender United have right now. It will be important that he keep focus against a flowing Liverpool front three. His aerial abilities will also come in handy when dealing with crosses in the box. He will need to use his pace to the maximum against players like Coutinho and Mane.