Liverpool is looking ahead to a clash with Manchester United after the international break, which could be filled with changes for the opposition

Liverpool could face off with a very different Manchester United when making a return from the international break, with an intriguing clash on the horizon.

The Red Devils have been in poor form this season, with Michael Carrick struggling to recapture the form that earned his side a third-place finish last time around. With just eight points from ten Premier League matches, the team has entered the two-week break in the relegation zone, having shown some worrying signs of lacking quality.

The defence has been particularly porous, having conceded the third-most in the division with 19 goals going against them so far. It's something that the head coach has looked to improve since being given the permanent role, but his time could soon be up.

Reports suggest Man United is set to make a change in the dugout, with Carrick moving on. In his place is the expected appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, with the USMNT coach reportedly in discussions with the club about taking charge.

While it is unclear just how soon the 54-year-old will make the switch, as the US has games against Haiti coming up in the next week, the situation is seemingly fluid and could change at any moment.

It's unclear just how much time the manager in-waiting will get on the training field with his players before he is likely to make his managerial bow with the club away at Anfield against Liverpool, the hope for the side will be a clear reaction to an underwhelming start to the campaign.

While that may be enough for Liverpool to feel unlucky that the schedule didn't pit the Reds against their rivals earlier in the season, then news of some impending returns may not help that feeling subside.

Man United could be set for two injury returns, with the Daily Mail claiming that Luke Shaw is targeting a return on Merseyside. The left-back has been key for the team in the past year, managing to stay fit throughout last season, before picking up an issue in early October that has since exposed the left-back issues in the team.

The defender could help shore up a backline that has been leaking goals, with Diogo Dalot among those who have had to fill in for an unnatural position.

There could also be a return for Marcus Rashford, as reporter James Ducker claims that the forward is hoping to be in the running to feature against Liverpool. The England international has struggled to gain much game time this season, following a previously positive campaign with Barcelona.

Rashford has visited a specialist for his groin injury and is now following a new recovery process, which may help the Man United star get back in the action quicker.

That all comes as a potential boost to Man United, which is in need of a change of fortunes. For Liverpool, it is perhaps the last thing that fans would have wanted, with an opportunity to beat an otherwise limp team in front of them.

It remains to be seen what sort of team shows up at Anfield next weekend, but the task of the Reds being at their intense best will remain regardless of the opposition.