BREAKING NEW Big problems for Ruben AmorimAdvantage Liverpool

Bruno Fernandes was one of six Manchester United players missing from training ahead of their clash with Liverpool

Manchester United’s preparations for their highly anticipated Premier League showdown with Liverpool have hit an unexpected snag, as six first-team stars were absent from training at Carrington earlier today. With the Red Devils set to visit Anfield on Sunday in what promises to be one of the fiercest fixtures of the season, the sight of so many key players missing from the session has sparked concerns among fans.

According to George Flood of The Standard, United captain Bruno Fernandes was among the notable absentees. The Portuguese midfielder, who remains the creative heartbeat of the team, was joined on the sidelines by Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martinez. The timing couldn’t be worse for manager Ruben Amorim, who is still navigating his first season in charge of Manchester United.

Sources close to the club suggest that the absence of Fernandes, Amad, Casemiro, and Cunha was purely precautionary, following their involvement in international fixtures earlier this week. All four featured for their respective nations on Tuesday and were granted extended recovery time to manage fatigue and prevent potential injuries ahead of the weekend’s blockbuster clash.

For Mazraoui, the situation is slightly different. The Moroccan full-back was called up for national duty but did not play after picking up a minor knock before the break. United’s medical staff are said to be monitoring his condition closely, and while he hasn’t been ruled out of the trip to Anfield, his participation remains uncertain. The defender’s versatility on both flanks makes him a crucial option in Amorim’s tactical setup, especially against Liverpool’s relentless wide attackers.

Lisandro Martinez, meanwhile, continues his rehabilitation following an ACL injury sustained earlier in the year. The Argentine centre-back has made steady progress in recent weeks, but his full return to competitive action might not come until the following fixture against Brighton later this month. His absence has been sorely felt in United’s backline, which has struggled for consistency and leadership.

Despite the missing players, early indications suggest Amorim could still have a near full-strength squad available by Sunday. Fernandes, Casemiro, and Cunha are all expected to return to training later this week, providing a huge boost to United’s midfield and attack. The team’s fitness department remains optimistic that minor niggles picked up during international duty will not affect the core lineup for the Anfield clash.

Over at Liverpool, manager Arne Slot faces a slightly less worrying situation. The Premier League champions are without only two confirmed absentees — Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni — both recovering from injuries. There were slight concerns over Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté during international duty, but reports indicate that their issues were precautionary, and both players are expected to be fit and ready for selection.

Sunday’s meeting between the two English giants carries enormous significance for both sides. Liverpool, who have suffered three straight defeats, are under pressure to respond, especially in front of their home fans. Depending on Arsenal’s result against Fulham on Saturday, the Reds could enter the game trailing the league leaders by four points — a gap they’ll be desperate to close.

For United, the stakes are equally high. Amorim’s side have shown flashes of brilliance this season but remain inconsistent. However, they have managed to avoid defeat in their last two visits to Anfield, a statistic that offers a glimmer of confidence heading into one of the most hostile stadiums in world football. Fernandes, as captain, will be central to any hopes of continuing that run.

As the countdown to Sunday begins, fans on both sides are holding their breath. Liverpool will be eager to reassert their dominance and restore belief in their title charge, while Manchester United see this as a chance to make a statement under new management. With both teams boasting attacking firepower and tactical intrigue, this encounter promises to deliver another chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries.

For now, all eyes remain on Carrington — and on whether Bruno Fernandes and his teammates return to training in time to face their fiercest rivals at Anfield. The next 48 hours could define not just United’s lineup, but the momentum of their season.