Manchester United will take on Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
It’s the first Manchester derby of the new season and United head into the game after three consecutive wins against Brentford, Sheffield United and F.C. Copenhagen, which will give fans hope for a positive result. United have certainly not been at their best and City, who have conceded the fewest goals in the league, will be challenging opponents despite showing glimmers of weakness themselves this campaign.
Regarding the team news, casemiro is facing a race against time to be fit for the match, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to full training on Friday and he’s expected to be named in the matchday squad
The back five picks itself and is the most balanced. Casemiro has to come into midfield as he has the experience, the big-game nous and is better than Sofyan Amrabat. He was also key in United’s win against City last season.
McTominay is a suitable foil as he is a robust presence who can be effective with and without the ball, if he’s on form. United need an energetic presence in midfield.
Eriksen on the right would ensure Antony does not start and also offers flexibility. He can play wide or narrowly and interchange with Fernandes, who started on the right twice against City last season.
Picking Rashford is playing the percentages. Alejandro Garnacho has shone off the bench against City before and would be a more dependable game-changer than Antony, Anthony Martial et al.
Tyrone Marshall
One of United’s strengths recently has been their improving defence and that should mean an unchanged back four, with Maguire keeping his place for the fourth game in a row having impressed recently.
In midfield, Casemiro faces a race against time to be fit but after Amrabat’s struggles in midweek, the Brazilian will be in the side if he is fit. Eriksen also deserves to start after his recent performances and Fernandes can play in the advanced role.
Ten Hag used Fernandes on the right against City last season and he can repeat that tactic with Mount, using his intelligence to try and press Stones and stop City overloading the central midfield. Hojlund and Rashford can start in attack and try to use their pace on the break.
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