It is time for the big Manchester derby on Sunday, as Manchester United host rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ fall from grace has carried on this season. They are currently sitting 13th in the table and head into the derby off the back of a narrow 1-0 away loss to Nottingham Forest in midweek. However, Ruben Amorim’s side have lost just once since mid-February and won this season’s first instalment of the Manchester derby—a 2-1 success at the Etihad Stadium.
So, the 20-time English champions will be aiming to do a league double over Pep Guardiola’s Man City, who are aiming for a third successive victory since the international break.
Manchester United Team News
Ruben Amorim said in his pre-match presser that Matthijs de Ligt has an issue and must be considered doubtful for the derby on Sunday, after picking up a knock against Nottingham Forest.
In a positive injury update, Kobbie Mainoo will be back into the matchday squad after being sidelined for over two months with a muscle problem. The likes of Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are all available for selection after returning to action against Forest in midweek.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Manchester City (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Man United’s undisputed No.1, Andre Onana must have a spectacular game to ensure he keeps his clean sheet intact. His short passing and long distribution will be key in building up play from the back for the home side.
Defence
With the crucial first leg of Europa League quarter-final against Lyon slated for next week, Amorim is unlikely to take risks with Matthijs de Ligt. So, we might see Harry Maguire return to the XI and join Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui in defence.
The possible back three of Maguire, Yoro and Mazraoui have to be proactive with their defending as well as composed on the ball to keep Man City at bay.
Midfield
Amorim could stick with the double pivot of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, even though the latter was substituted at half-time against Forest. Having a strong base in the middle of the park will be important to disrupt City’s rhythm, and Amorim would hope Casemiro and Ugarte essay their roles perfectly on Sunday.
Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu should operate as the wing-backs, trying to hurt the Sky Blues from the flanks. Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo could get minutes off the bench as per the game’s requirement.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes should provide the biggest threat from the home side. Fresh from scooping the Premier League Player of the Month for March, the Portuguese playmaker should be raring to deliver a captain’s performance and help his team win the derby bragging rights.
He is expected to be joined by Joshua Zirkzee as advanced No.10s, with Rasmus Hojlund replacing Alejandro Garnacho in the Man United attack. The trio have to click to cause problems for City’s shaky backline.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
