Premier League legend Alan Shearer has selected a controversial Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI ahead of Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated clash at Anfield.
The fierce rivals go head-to-head in the standout fixture of the weekend. Reigning champions Liverpool are the strong favourites, although Arne Slot’s side are aiming to return to winning ways after suffering three straight defeats.
Man Utd, currently 10th in the Premier League table, beat Sunderland 2-0 before the international break, but haven’t won away from home in the league since March. Ruben Amorim’s men will need to be at their very best to stand a chance of escaping Liverpool with all three points.
Shearer’s Combined Liverpool and Manchester United XI
Alan Shearer
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer named his current combined line-up – and it’s fair to say there are some bold shouts. Let’s take a closer look.
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Senne Lammens impressed for United on his debut against Sunderland, but it’s no surprise that Shearer has opted for Alisson in goal. After all, the Brazilian is arguably the best ‘keeper in the world right now.
Right-back: Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley hasn’t managed to make Liverpool fans forget about Trent Alexander-Arnold just yet. The 22-year-old has blown hot and cold so far this season.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been at his imperious best during the opening weeks of the 2025-26 campaign. That said, there’s no doubt the 34-year-old skipper remains one of the best defenders in the business – if not *the* best.
Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate
Another Liverpool player in need of a big performance this weekend, Ibrahima Konate will be desperate to keep a clean sheet against the Red Devils.
Left-back: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw
The only Manchester United player selected by Shearer. Milos Kerkez has struggled since joining Liverpool from Bournemouth, while Andy Robertson’s best days are behind him, so Shaw gets the nod at left-back.
Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
One of the best midfielders in the Premier League, Alexis Mac Allister is certainly worthy of a spot in this combined XI.
Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch
Another top-class midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch’s selection is more than justified.
Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai
Used at right-back on occasions this season, Dominik Szoboszlai scored one of the best goals of the Premier League campaign so far: *that* stunning free-kick against Arsenal in August.
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is another Liverpool star who is yet to hit top gear this season. However, the Premier League legend will be aiming to put Man Utd to the sword this weekend. The Egyptian gets into Shearer’s XI ahead of Bryan Mbeumo.
Left-wing: Cody Gakpo
Selected ahead of Matheus Cunha, Shearer has gone for Netherlands international Cody Gakpo on the left flank.
Striker: Hugo Ekitike
No Benjamin Sesko or Alexander Isak. Instead, Shearer has gone with Hugo Ekitike, who has scored three goals in his first six Premier League appearances, and recently made his full France debut.
Shearer on Liverpool vs Man Utd
Ruben Amorim and Arne Slot
Shearer said: “Liverpool v Man United is always big because of the size of both clubs and former players will always tell you that the fixture is huge and one they look out for which means so much to both sets of fans and players.
“Because of the situation and hype around both clubs for different reasons; Liverpool have lost three on the spin which no one saw coming and Man United being the way they are, there’s no doubt there is extra spice to this game. It’s a game that both teams have to go and win for different reasons.
“International breaks are always tricky because as a manager and club, you want to sit and work or go on the training ground and work on what’s gone wrong but it’s difficult when you’ve got so many international players away. It would’ve been a tricky two weeks for Slot and Amorim.
“We don’t know who will come back fit, who will come back at a certain time, are they going to come back on Thursday or Friday? That’s always tough. If Slot has a full squad to pick from then it wouldn’t surprise me if he went back again to what worked for him again last season, particularly in such a volatile fixture.”