Erik ten Hag expects to have duo available for Liverpool clash

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is confident that both Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho will be available for Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Shaw missed out against West Ham United in the FA Cup on Wednesday due to a minor injury, while Sancho was unavailable for selection due to illness.

However, speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ten Hag provided a positive update on the duo's fitness.

"I think we will have players back. Yesterday (Wednesday) Luke Shaw was not available, so we expect him back. Sancho was ill, but we will have to wait and see how that develops but I think [he could be available] as well," the Dutchman told reporters when questioned on the fitness of his squad.

However, Anthony Martial remains on the sidelines with a hip issue, while Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are long-term absentees due to ankle and knee injuries respectively.

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Man United have not been in Premier League action since February 19, recording a 3-0 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils have played three times since then, posting victories over Barcelona and West Ham to advance in the Europa League and FA Cup, in addition to overcoming Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final.

"I'm looking forward [to it], I know the ambience, the atmosphere will be great. It will be hostile against us, and we like it," Ten Hag added when asked about Sunday's trip to Merseyside.

"It is, of course, a test. But we're facing Liverpool and we're really looking forward [to it], I know these players, my squad, my team will be prepared to go and fight, to go with confidence but we know it's going to be difficult. We know we have to suffer, we have to sacrifice to get a good result.

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"I think our mentality in general is very good. I think we have many leaders who sets the mentality, who sets the standards, controls the standards, who correct if necessary.

"I think we are happy with this process, but we can always be better and that has to be the approach."

Man United are currently third in the Premier League table, six points behind Manchester City and 11 from leaders Arsenal, who have both played a game more.

The Red Devils also have a match in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who sit four points behind the 20-time English champions ahead of the next set of fixtures.

Liverpool are now sixth in the division, six points behind Spurs with a game in hand, while they are 10 points from rivals Man United heading into Sunday's fixture.