Our predicted Manchester United starting line-up for Sunday’s crunch derby clash with Manchester City.
The meeting provides Ruben Amorim with the unmissable opportunity to do the double over the Blues in his first season as United’s head coach, which would certainly be some feat given how the side were in complete disarray when he succeeded Erik ten Hag last November.
In the reverse fixture, Amorim had Bruno Fernandes and Amad to thank for sealing an emphatic turnaround at the Etihad, with the initial leveller coming in the 88th minute. Then, on the brink of full-time, the Ivorian livewire produced a scintillating touch and finish to claim all three points on their neighbours’ turf.
Alas, Amad will be sorely missed this time around – as he has been ever since he first sustained a lengthy injury setback in February. There are hopes he will feature again before the culmination of the term, but he will, of course, be unavailable for the forthcoming matches.
United’s team news for Sunday
As for the rest of Amorim’s options on Sunday, he is preparing to be without Matthijs de Ligt after the defender injured his ankle during Tuesday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest. Kobbie Mainoo, who hasn’t played since the beginning of February, may be deemed fit enough to make the bench, although a start has been ruled out by the boss.
Mason Mount made his long-awaited return to the fold at the City Ground with a 12-minute cameo off the bench. He could be given the nod, however, Amorim assured reporters in his pre-City press conference that the club would be doing their utmost to protect his fitness and manage his minutes, so a lengthier substitute appearance may be the way forward this week.
Predicted starting XI
Onana;
Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro;
Harry Maguire slots in as a direct replacement for De Ligt, and Amorim will be delighted to have the centre-half back at his disposal. After the 2-1 triumph over City in December, Amorim expressed post-match: “Maguire is perfect when you play with three defenders. He is perfect in the middle.”
Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu;
Fernandes, Zirkzee;
Dropping Alejandro Garnacho would be a major call, and yet, the right one.
