Ray Wilkins has delivered a damning verdict on the quality of Liverpool’s squad by picking just three players in a combined XI with Manchester United.
The great rivals meet at Anfield this weekend and the build-up to the match is gaining momentum.
Ex-Chelsea coach Wilkins was asked to select his combined team and in doing so suggested a serious gulf in quality exists between the two sides.
Not a single Liverpool defender was picked and just three players made the XI compared to eight for Manchester United.
Ray Wilkins’ combined XI…
‘I’m going to upset a lot of Liverpool supporters today with the back five especially,’ Wilkins admitted as he explained his selection on Sky Sports.
‘I’ve got a back-five of Manchester United but I think that’s a reflection of the way the league is at the moment. Liverpool can’t keep a clean sheet whereas this side [Manchester United] can.’
Manchester United, who are level on points with table toppers Man City, have conceded just two goals this season. In contrast Liverpool, who are seventh in the league, have let in 12.
Wilkins managed to find room for Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson in his midfield alongside Nemanja Matic.
On Coutinho he said: ‘He’s so intelligent, so creative. Just give him license to do whatever he wants to do.’
On Henderson the former England international said: ‘Every good team has it workers. Henderson does get around the pitch and he destroys the opposition as well.’
In attack Sadio Mane was the only Liverpool player to make the cut, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford preferred to the other Merseyside options which meant Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah missed out.
MORE : Manchester United star Juan Mata sends warning to Liverpool ahead of Anfield showdown
Share this with