Liverpool warned against starting Andy Robertson vs Man United despite Milos Kerkez struggles

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Liverpool have had problems in a few positions this season, but none more so than at left-back.

During the summer transfer window, there was a reshaping of the position as the Reds went and bought Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40 million, as they loaned out Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma.

The signing of the Hungarian meant that long-time starter in the position, Andy Robertson, was left on the bench for games this season as Arne Slot affirmed Kerkez as the new starter on the left flank.

However, the 21-year-old has not performed to the best of his abilities in the position, finding himself struggling to keep up with the opposition and transitioning into a much more defensive position than he was used to when bombing down the flank in the South Coast.

With Robertson coming closer towards the end of his peak and Kerkez struggling with form, it is no wonder that it has become an issue for the manager to solve, given that this is one of the reasons Liverpool have lost points this season.

Craig Burley says Andy Robertson should not start vs Manchester United

It will be all the more important on Sunday when Slot’s side face Manchester United at Anfield, with Mason Mount likely to cause issues down that flank in one of the biggest games on the calendar.

Craig Burley previewed the United fixture and pointed out that the Dutchman’s balance problem is complicated further by the left-back position, especially after the international break.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans will be left with more questions than answers after watching Milos Kerkez for Hungary

The former Chelsea player spoke about Robertson’s performances for Scotland, showing that he has not convinced the manager that he should start the United game even with Kerkez not performing.

Speaking to ESPN, Burley explained: “The back four has struggled. Kerkez has struggled. We haven’t talked about bringing Andy Robertson back in.

“But if you watched Andy Robertson play for Scotland, you wouldn’t bring him back in because he struggled there. So there are so many questions for I think from this Liverpool side that I think it’s a big game for Arne Slot.”

Arne Slot is left with a difficult conundrum

It may not be the best idea to start Robertson, given the fact that his performances for Scotland were not his best, but starting Kerkez brings up its own dilemmas.

The main issue with having him in the XI is that he will be overrun by the occasion of the game and will likely receive an early yellow card, as in other games he has had one out of frustration.

It would be better in that sense to bring him on later in the match and start with Robertson, but it would mean losing some pace on the ball.

Slot has found himself in an unenviable situation trying to work out the best balance on that side, and this tough decision could make or break the game.