CM: Fabinho vs Scott McTominay
Whether it’s Scott McTominay or Nemanja Matic in defensive midfield for United, Fabinho easily beats either of them. The Brazil international has been exceptional since moving to Anfield, with United really in need of an upgrade on almost all their central midfield players.
Winner: Fabinho
CM: Jordan Henderson vs Andreas Pereira
Jordan Henderson isn’t even really up there with the best midfielders in Europe, even if he fits this Liverpool side perfectly and provides quality leadership, but he’s still in comfortably ahead of the likes of Andreas Pereira or Fred.
Winner: Henderson
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum vs Paul Pogba
Different players, but this was the match-up we thought made most sense, and again we’re being pretty generous to MUFC by going for Paul Pogba over Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has had the better time of things of late, but put the more naturally gifted Pogba in this Liverpool side and he’d probably finally start looking like the world class performer we know he can be.
Winner: Pogba
RF: Mohamed Salah vs Daniel James
Daniel James has made a fine start to life in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and looks a smart signing. With time, he could become one of the finest attacking players in Europe. For now, however, he’s up against the world class Mohamed Salah for a spot on the right flank here, and we probably don’t really need to explain our choice here.
Winner: Salah
LF: Sadio Mane vs Marcus Rashford
A confident and in-form Marcus Rashford might have just had a hope of edging this around a year ago or so, but Sadio Mane has really exploded into top form in recent months and is the clear winner here – one of the most under-rated players in world football right now.
Winner: Mane
CF: Roberto Firmino vs Anthony Martial
Again, this is a very clear Liverpool win. Roberto Firmino might not score as much as most strikers, but he offers so much quality and work rate with everything he does, while Anthony Martial is far too inconsistent to be in with a realistic shot.
Winner: Firmino
Conclusion
Michael Owen is talking rubbish. Thank you and goodnight.