Manchester United fans will be hoping to benefit from a new-manager bounce when they head to Anfield on November 22.

After a run of eight Premier League games without a win, Michael Carrick was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, with Mauricio Pochettino quickly named as his replacement.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager inherits a United side languishing in the relegation zone, with a daunting trip to face Liverpool awaiting him in his first game in charge.

However, Liverpool will be determined to ensure Pochettino’s reign gets off to the worst possible start, and these five players could prove crucial to doing exactly that.

Alisson Becker

One of the biggest differences between Liverpool and their biggest rivals this season has been between the sticks.

While Alisson Becker continues to produce Man of the Match performances, Manchester United’s number one is enduring a difficult campaign.

Senne Lammens looks a shadow of the goalkeeper who impressed United supporters last season.

The Belgian has made several costly mistakes during his first 10 Premier League appearances of the 2026/27 season, including two errors in the opening four minutes of United’s recent 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

So, while Liverpool fans can feel safe in the hands of Alisson, United supporters will be worried about another Lammens howler at Anfield.

Virgil Van Dijk

Mauricio Pochettino knows just how good Virgil van Dijk is, having previously praised Liverpool for spending £75 million to sign the Dutchman.

Speaking in 2019, the Argentine insisted the Reds had been vindicated in their decision to pay a then-world-record fee for a defender.

Pochettino said: “But Liverpool were right. They picked Van Dijk, because at that moment they believed he was the best centre-back in England who could make them better, and they were right.”

Seven years later, Van Dijk is still proving his worth at Anfield. Jeremy Jacquet has rightly earned plenty of praise for his performances this season, but the Liverpool captain has looked back to his best alongside the Frenchman.

Van Dijk has the ability to shut out United’s attack while also providing a goal threat at the other end of the pitch.

Pochettino will be hoping the defender doesn’t give him another reason to praise him after his first game in charge of Manchester United.

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister is another Liverpool star who has rediscovered his best form under Andoni Iraola.

Reds legend Steven Gerrard recently called for Mac Allister’s impressive performances to be rewarded with a new contract.

The 27-year-old has brought some much-needed steel to Liverpool’s previously vulnerable midfield, while also chipping in with five goals in all competitions this season.

His ability to dictate the tempo and win possession back could be crucial against a United side determined to make a flying start under their new manager.

Mac Allister may not attract the same praise or attention as Bruno Fernandes, but he could well be the best midfielder on the pitch when the two sides meet later this month.

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is finally starting to live up to his record-breaking £125 million price tag.

The Swedish striker trails only Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot after 10 games, having begun to find his feet at Anfield.

With eight goals in all competitions, Isak is already delivering the goods, yet there is a sense Liverpool fans still haven’t seen the very best of him.

His clinical finishing is something United have been sorely lacking this season, and it could prove decisive when the two rivals meet.

If Liverpool’s next game turns into a tense North West derby with chances at a premium, Isak is exactly the type of player who can make the difference.

Pochettino will know that giving Liverpool’s number nine even half a chance could prove costly on his United debut.

Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha should consider himself extremely unlucky to only be a squad player at Liverpool right now.

The 18-year-old winger has looked like the next big thing almost every time he pulls on a Red shirt.

Ngumoha is capable of turning even the best defenders inside out, so you can only imagine the problems he could cause Manchester United’s lacklustre backline.

The fact that the youngster will most likely start on the bench highlights one of the biggest differences between the two teams, which is strength in depth.

Andoni Iraola has the luxury of bringing on game-changing players if things aren’t going to plan, and Ngumoha could be his most exciting option.

We’re backing the teenager to come off the bench and play a key role in making Pochettino’s return to the Premier League an unhappy one.