Chris Smalling will be out for two weeks with the groin tear he suffered in Manchester United’s 2-1 win at Southampton on Monday evening.

Smalling was forced to leave the game in the first half after appearing to cause the injury when turning. It is the latest blow to the manager, Louis van Gaal, in United’s injury-blighted campaign.

While Jonny Evans is now available, of his other senior defenders Luke Shaw, with an ankle injury, and Phil Jones, with a calf problem, remain on the sidelines.

Given that Van Gaal felt he had to remove the 19-year-old Paddy McNair early on at Southampton due to a lack of confidence, Michael Carrick may again be forced to play in defence against Liverpool on Sunday should the manager go with his preferred system of three centre-backs.