4 key battles that could decide Man Utd vs Liverpool in FA Cup

Manchester United will be hoping to prove themselves when they take on in-form Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday at Old Trafford.

The two sides last met in December, when the Red Devils were able to prove everyone wrong and hold on to a 0-0 draw at Anfield - a huge improvement from their 7-0 loss earlier in 2023.

United have dug deep recently against Liverpool but with the Reds getting key players like Mohamed Salah back, if they perform, they will perform well.

Rasmus Hojlund is set to return from injury, gifting some hope to United, who will have a far better chance with him on the pitch.

It's set to be a thrilling fixture, but let's take a look at how this game may play out in four key battles.

Rasmus Hojlund vs Virgil van Dijk

It'll be a baptism of fire for 21-year-old Hojlund as he returns from injury to face arguably the best central defender in the world.

Hojlund has found his way to the net 11 times so far for United this season. His fluid movements often involve making a run for his marker, then a second run in the opposite direction, such as when he confidently attacks crosses.

His poacher mentality makes him a tough striker to crack. If he's positioned away from a defender's eye-line he will thrive.

Virgil van Dijk speaks for himself. He's a threat in his own box, which will affect Hojlund greatly. If he can keep the Danish forward away from the six-yard area, he will help to secure a Liverpool victory.

Raphael Varane vs Mohamed Salah

Raphael Varane was the rock in the heart of United's defence when they drew to Liverpool in December. He showed just how good he can be at anticipating danger.

In this case, danger will absolutely come in the form of Mohamed Salah.

Salah was on fire during Liverpool's showdown with Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, scoring the team's third in just 10 minutes and assisting three goals elsewhere.

He will pose an intense threat to United, whose defence may just falter.

Casemiro vs Cody Gakpo

United missed out on the chance to sign Cody Gakpo, and that may be business they live to regret.

Gakpo controlled Casemiro when the two last faced each other directly in that 7-0 mauling, affecting the Brazilian's passing and preventing him from running the game.

24-year-old Gakpo is extremely two-footed, and when he drifts from the left he is extremely dangerous. He has an excellent curling cross in his locker too.

His link up with Salah is usually exceptional. United will have to keep a keen eye on him.

Marcus Rashford vs Joe Gomez

Marcus Rashford arrived at the Manchester derby a fortnight ago with something to prove, and within eight minutes he had scored the first goal of the game in style. He followed this up with a penalty against Everton last week and is back to take on another set of Merseysiders.

Joe Gomez, meanwhile, is in incredible form for Liverpool. This is his ninth season at Anfield and he is on course to make his most appearances for the club in a campaign.

These two may be England teammates, but they will have to put that to one side when they battle on Sunday.

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