Manchester United’s revolution under Ruben Amorim continues on Sunday afternoon when they make the short journey across town to rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have shown their weaknesses in their last two games, falling to Nottingham Forest before beating Viktoria Plzen in Europe, but approach the weekend knowing rivals Manchester City are firmly entrenched in their own spot of bother.
United may well be sniffing a first league win at City since 2021, but which players will Amorim turn to for what should be an enthralling contest?
GK: Andre Onana – Having been a bright spot in an otherwise tepid start to the season, Onana has endured two poor performances in a row ahead of what is always a challenging away day for United. The 28-year-old conceded three goals in this fixture last season.
CB: Leny Yoro – The young Frenchman may well face a few chastening weeks as he gets up to speed at United. His relationship with his defensive partners needs time to grow but Yoro’s raw skills are clear to see.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt is another star who has had a pretty rocky past month or so. The Dutchman has the makings to be United’s de facto leader in defence but has to be more switched on and assertive at the back.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – It was Martinez who offered one of the more helpless images of the last Premier League gameweek, looking on as Chris Wood’s header looped past him. Has suffered some nightmare outings in the past at the Etihad and should be motivated to avoid another one on Sunday.
RWB: Amad Diallo – Josko Gvardiol has been exposed a few times on the left of City‘s defence this season and United should look to give Amad as many opportunities to attack the Croatian as possible.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The Uruguayan is proving a decent ball-winner since his summer arrival, averaging 2.5 successful tackles in Premier League matches so far. Only Casemiro’s 2.7 is higher among the United squad.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – United’s bucket-hat-wearing teenager wrote himself into club folklore when he bagged the winner against City in last season’s FA Cup final. He’s yet to hit the back of the net after 11 matches so far this term.
LWB: Diogo Dalot – Luke Shaw will come back into the starting XI eventually when he’s fit, but for now Dalot may be tasked with filling in on the left. A wing-back role should allow the Portugal international to showcase his skill in attack.
RF: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes has been used in a deeper midfield role, but his ability in the final third is what will be important if United are to take any points from Sunday’s meeting. He has three goals against City from 13 previous meetings.
LF: Marcus Rashford – The England international has enjoyed more than a few magical moments against the Cityzens but approaches this game with speculation mounting over his future. A goal here would be a timely reminder of his undoubted ability and class.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The Dane is finding his scoring touch, bagging a half-hour brace in the Europa League to follow up his strike against Forest. His pace and pressing make him a vital inclusion ahead of Joshua Zirkzee up front.
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