The Old Trafford will be buzzing this Saturday as it prepares to host the 172nd Manchester Derby with Jose Mourinho at the helm. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement United have struggled to keep up with the expectations and the fear factor associated with it. Often, it gave the impression of a floundering club with no clear route-map of the future. But unlike a few clubs in England, the who’s who at Old Trafford decided to rein in the situation before it got out of hand. They appointed the next best thing to immediate success itself and that is Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese has been given a free hand by the looks of it and he has immediately set about restoring United’s super-star status. With signings like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan he has transformed the lackluster team from the last couple of seasons.
And they have started off accordingly with 3 wins out of 3 playing incisive football and back to entertaining the crowd. But Jose will get a special opportunity to put his stamp on the city of Manchester and even the whole Premier League as he faces upto his old nemesis in the form of Pep Guardiola. The two renew their bitter rivalry from La Liga and come Saturday one of them is going to walk away with more than bragging rights at the end of the match.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINE-UP VS MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
David De Gea is the undisputed choice in goal and will be gearing up for his busiest day this season till now. Valencia is rated a doubt with the player returning the day before the game. Phil Jones might deputise for him though Mourinho has other options at his disposal. Bailly and Blind will be allowed to continue their budding partnership and will look to nullify a Aguero-less attack. Shaw withdrew from National duties with a minor injury but is expected to be fit to take his place at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Paul Pogba and Fellaini are building up a dominant reputation and they will most likely be holding fort in midfield on Saturday. After another confusing outing for England, Rooney will be back at a more conventional No.10 role for United.
ATTACK
Mata might be preferred once more though Rashford offers another option in case Mkhitaryan is deemed unfit to play. Martial got a goal during the International round of matches and will look to kick on his season with the likes of Depay and Rashford breathing down his neck. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the obvious name up front.
