Manchester United will clash heads with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday afternoon as they look to pick up a good result in the Manchester derby. The Red Devils managed to secure a 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol before the international break which will give them some momentum ahead of this crucial clash away from home.
Erik ten Hag will set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make one tweak to his first XI for this game. Marcus Rashford will probably get a chance to lead the line for Man United in the final third.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
David de Gea will feature in between the sticks for the Mancunian giants after he kept a clean sheet away at Sheriff in his last outing. Raphael Varane will resume his defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the centre of ten Hag’s defence as they focus on keeping a solid shape at the back in the Manchester derby.
Diogo Dalot has been enjoying a good run of form of late and will be a nailed-on starter at right-back while Tyrell Malacia hopes to catch the eye on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to perform their defensive duties well if they are to stop Man City from creating too many chances from the wide areas.
Martin Dubravka and Harry Maguire are both major doubts for this game. However, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw should be fit for a place on the bench.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay will anchor the midfield for the Red Devils once again as they look to make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park.
The gifted trio of Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Antony will operate just ahead of them as part of ten Hag’s attack. Fernandes will have to carry most of the creative burden for his team on the attacking end of the field while Man United look to use the pace of Sancho and Antony out on the flanks.
Both Casemiro and Fred will have to settle for a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Marcus Rashford will lead the charge for the Mancunian giants up top. However, the English striker has to pass a late fitness test if he wants to start in this Manchester derby.
Cristiano Ronaldo will yet again be a part of ten Hag’s bench but might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if the Red Devils are in need of a goal by then.
