Our predicted Manchester United line-up for the 190th instalment of the Manchester derby this Sunday.
The Red Devils will be hoping to oversee a similar result to last season’s derby at Old Trafford, when they overturned City 2-1 in emphatic fashion to clinch all three points.
Since then though, the Blues reigned victorious in the FA Cup final back in June, which helped them on their way to completing the treble – United must use this defeat as added motivation to get one over on their neighbours this time around.
As for Erik ten Hag’s options, Casemiro will undergo a late fitness test to determine his involvement. The Brazilian is in a race against time to feature as, if he’s match-ready, it’s likely that he’ll start.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is ahead of schedule in his injury recovery and even returned to training this week with the squad, though it remains to be seen whether the clash comes too soon for his comeback.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo are all unavailable.
Predicted starting XI
Onana
Will be high on confidence after his mid-week heroics vs Copenhagen so hopefully, he can put in a top performance between the sticks again.
Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon
Harry Maguire’s morale will also have been significantly boosted following his crucial goal in Europe, as well as being granted consecutive starts. No reason for the manager to drop him with the form he’s in.
Casemiro, Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat was withdrawn at the interval against the Danish side on Tuesday night and replaced by Christian Eriksen, who assisted the winning goal. But Eriksen and Casemiro paired together has often made the duo look off-the-pace when up against quick and threatening attackers, and City’s are some of the most dangerous in Europe. Consequently, the Moroccan may be a more suitable option.
Antony, Fernandes (C), Rashford
This attacking trio are yet to find their feet this season, with all three players out of form and looking low in confidence. However, Ten Hag’s comments on Rashford today – “give him the trust and play him every game” – confirm his desire to continue starting players through any rough patches and hope that the goals eventually come, hence why it’s highly probable he keeps them in the 11.
Hojlund
Let’s hope he’s been saving that first Premier League goal for Sunday.
