‘Badge on his heart’ - Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains surprise Scott McTominay captaincy selection for Liverpool clash as midfielder praised for ‘desire and passion’

With regular captain Bruno Fernandes suspended having picked up five yellow cards this season, Ten Hag took the surprise decision to hand the captain's armband to Mctominay. The United boss had few captaincy options, with Harry Maguire ruled out through injury and Marcus Rashford only fit enough to start on the bench after recently struggling with illness.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Ten Hag said: "'I think he [McTominay] is one of the examples of what it means to play for Manchester United, to play with the badge on his heart. And that is an example. And the others can take that, and so they can build on him. 

"And I'm sure he will be the communicator. I'm sure he will be the example of desire and passion. And I think especially that you need in this game."

McTominay is often an easy target for criticism at Old Trafford, but he is actually United's top league goalscorer this season with seven goals. The Scotland international started in midfield at Anfield alongside Sofyan Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo.

However the Liverpool match pans out, United will have to dust themselves down for a busy festive period that involves meetings with West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. McTominay is expected to hand the captain's armband back to Fernandes at the London Stadium next weekend.