Jurgen Klopp urged to bring back Simon Mignolet to Liverpool starting XI

Jurgen Klopp has been urged to start Simon Mignolet between the sticks for Manchester United's visit to Anfield on 17 October after the German manager chose to play summer signing Loris Karius in Liverpool's last three games.

Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge wants to see Mignolet return to the starting XI and believes the German goalkeeper is still not experienced enough to play on a regular basis for the Reds. The Belgium international started the season in fine form, but was dropped following Karius' return from injury as Klopp was keen to evaluate the best choice going forward in the season.

The 23-year-old German, who joined from Mainz in the summer, proved reliable during the three games against Derby County, Hull City and Swansea City, but questions remain if he is the better choice when the Red Devils visit after the international break on 17 October.

"Jurgen Klopp faces an interesting decision over who to play in goal against Manchester United in a fortnight. Loris Karius has been given his chance in the last three games, but on the evidence so far could you say he is better than Simon Mignolet?" Aldridge wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

"Karius is only a young lad. He's going to need time and he has looked a bit nervy from what I've seen. He's conceded from two corners on the bounce and some of his distribution, which we've been led to believe is a strong point, has not exactly been fantastic.

"Klopp said he would assess the goalkeeping situation during the international break having given both players an opportunity. And for me, I'd say while Karius could come good one day, Mignolet should be between the sticks at this moment in time," he added.

Apart from the goalkeeping situation Aldridge also has concerns with regards to Liverpool's ability during set pieces both 'for and against'. He admits that it could be a concern for the manager as they have failed to make most of their opportunities against other teams, while have been caught out on more than one occasion this season.

"One of the big negatives for me remains set plays – both for and against," the former Reds striker added.

"I mentioned a few weeks ago that we have started to look a bit more dominant at corners following the introduction of Joel Matip. But we were caught out by a deep corner to the far post, and we're still vulnerable in that area.

"Last year we were exposed far too often at set plays, and our corners at the other end have not got much better. We should be making more from these opportunities. It'll still be a concern for the manager."