Wonderkid starts + Wildcard striker | Expected Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Man City as Ten Hag men set to battle for crucial three points today
Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium for today’s Premier League derby against Manchester City.
The Red Devils are currently 11 points adrift of the top four after Aston Villa’s late win over Luton Town on the road.
The Manchester derby is a must-win to reduce the deficit and United can make a statement by beating their arch-rivals.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has played every minute of United’s Premier League campaign since his summer switch from Inter Milan. The Cameroonian star has been brilliant between the sticks in recent weeks and could have another busy outing at the Etihad.
In front of him, it could be the same backline from the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round. With Harry Maguire sidelined, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are expected to line up at the heart of the defence for the Red Devils.
Diogo Dalot will start at right-back with Sofyan Amrabat getting the nod on the opposite end after a good composed performance at City Ground. There is the temptation of playing Willy Kambwala at right-back with Dalot on the left, but Ten Hag is unlikely to take the risk.
In midfield, Casemiro is a nailed-on starter from the number six role. The Brazilian got back on the scoresheet with a crucial late winner against Forest. He should be partnered by Kobbie Mainoo, who started on the bench in midweek. It was deserved breather for the wonderkid.
Further forward, we anticipate a surprise tactical change from the manager. Antony had a good first half at City Ground where he hit the woodwork, but he should make way for Alejandro Garnacho on the right wing.
Marcus Rashford has found no success leading the line with just one shot on target over the last two games. He could return to his preferred left wing role with Bruno Fernandes starting from his customary number 10 position as always.
Up front, Ten Hag could experiment with a wildcard striker with Rasmus Hojlund injured. Scott McTominay would be our preferred choice. The Scot has a goal conversion rate of 20 per cent this season. Only Hojlund has fared better in the league.
How Man Utd could line up vs Man City
