Van Perise to miss Liverpool clash

Robin Van Persie is unlikely to return to the Manchester United starting line-up for this evening’s League Cup third round tie with Liverpool.

The Dutch intentional failed to feature for the first time in the Premier League since signing from Arsenal last summer, after a groin strain ruled him out of Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City.

Rafael and Phil Jones also look set to miss out once more, while Nani and Wilfred Zaha could start.

United, who have won this competition on four occasions, lost to their big rivals Liverpool just three weeks ago, while they also tasted defeat the last time the sides met in the League Cup.

Goals from Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen secured a 2-0 win for the Reds at the Millennium Stadium in 2003.

However, United have won the last five clashes at Old Trafford, including a 2-1 win back in January en route to clinching the league title.

Meanwhile, the agent of defender Rafael has denied that the Brazil international is set to leave the club, according to the Mirror.

The 23 year old, who joined the club with his twin brother Fabio in January 2008, was linked with a move to Corinthians, but the claims have been rubbished by his representative Cassiano Pereira.