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Louis van Gaal has said the chants of Manchester United fans singing his name is evidence that supporters are behind him.
The Dutchman has come under scrutiny more than usual this week amid reports of unrest among the players at his rigid training methods and treatment of certain players. He himself admitted today that Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick had come to him earlier this season to express concerns that the dressing room was "flat".
Gary Neville has publicly questioned the direction the club is heading under the former Netherlands manager and famous fan Rory McIlroy has said he has doubts about the United boss.
Show all 11 1 /11Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI GK: David De Gea He hasn't even played this season, but De Gea goes straight into our side ahead of United team-mate Sergio Romero and Liverpool's Simon Mignolet. With the transfer window closed and his proposed move to Real Madrid over for now, Van Gaal is expected to bring the Spain international back into the fold and there's no question he's the best goalkeeper of the lot.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI RB: Matteo Darmian Arguably the toughest dilemma of the lot comes at right-back, with Darmian and Nathaniel Clyne both impressing so far this term. The nod goes to the United defender by a whisker based on how quickly the Italian has managed to resolve what has been a problem position for United for some time.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI CB: Chris Smalling For all the speculation over Manchester United signing a centre-back during the summer, Smalling has shown that the need for reinforcements isn't as great as some feared. The England international has been consistent and appears to be growing in confidence all the time. It means there's no place for Dejan Lovren, who in contrast appears to be regressing from the player Liverpool spent £20m to sign.
Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI CB: Martin Skrtel Thankfully for Liverpool, Skrtel has looked good this term, and beats Daley Blind to the other centre-back berth. United's Dutch midfielder/defender/full-back is still new to the central position.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI LB: Luke Shaw Joe Gomez has made an unexpectedly impressive start to his Anfield career, with the 18-year-old playing in every game since joining from Charlton. But Shaw has begun to show why Manchester United were willing to take such a huge gamble on a teenager, being solid defensively and a threat going forward.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI M: Juan Mata The Spanish play-maker has started every match, chipped in with a goal and got himself an assist. A solid start. His presence means there is no place for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has only managed to feature twice this term.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI M: Bastian Schweinsteiger The World Cup winner is beginning to show why, despite concerns over his fitness, he's been among the best midfielders in Europe over recent years. With Michael Carrick injured, he'll be wanting to impress during a potential run in the starting line-up. He beats Adam Lallana to a place, with the Liverpool midfielder also only starting two games so far this term.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI M: Morgan Schneiderlin The former Southampton player has impressed in the centre of the park with his passing and ability to disrupt the opposition. James Milner, one of only two Liverpool midfielders to start every match this term is yet to set the world alight following his free transfer from Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI M: Memphis Depay The young Netherlands international looks to be showing more ability and growing in confidence with each match and his recent European double offered a glimpse of the big future the summer signing could have at Old Trafford. It means there is no place for Roberto Firmino, one of Liverpool's big summer signings.
Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI ST: Wayne Rooney Rooney is still to score in four Premier League games, but his two-in-two for England and hat-trick in Europe indicates the striker is hitting form. However, he only makes it into the side because Coutinho, who has been Liverpool's best player so far this season, is suspended for Saturday's game.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI ST: Christian Benteke Joining Rooney in attack is Benteke. With just the one goal to his name the former Aston Villa player hasn't exactly been prolific, but he has been causing opposing defences a headache, particularly in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal. With Daniel Sturridge still out, Benteke will hope to begin writing himself into Anfield folklore with a goal at Old Trafford.
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However, the man himself is satisfied that most fans are pleased, citing the support he's received from the terraces. With a slap of the desk during his press conference to preview United's game with Liverpool this weekend, he said "the fans are shouting every week". He then began to chant "Louis van Gaal's army" whilst punching his fist into his palm.
Manchester United's match with Liverpool kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday.
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