After a string of disappointing results, Manchester United romped to a 6-0 win over League 1 side Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup on Sunday. But the Red Devils have a daunting task ahead of them as they face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. City go into the game with a 3-1 lead and will host their neighbours at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team have lost three of their last four Premier League games, losing to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Burnley in the league but will be buoyed by their recent form at the Etihad as they prepare to face an inconsistent City side.
Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester United lineup for the game against Manchester City.
Team News
It seems like Manchester United’s players came away unscathed following their win against Tranmere Rovers as the pitch at Prenton Park resembled that of a war zone.
But, none of the long-term injured players is going to return for the mid-week game. The likes of Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe will all miss the derby.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP vs MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Sergio Romero was in goal for the FA Cup win and it’ll be interesting to see if he retains his place in the team. Romero has kept a clean sheet in 7 of his last 8 appearances, although all of them came against relatively weaker sides.
David de Gea played the first leg of the Carabao Cup and he should return after not featuring against Tranmere.
Defence
Solskjaer played a three-man defence against Tranmere. But he might revert to a four-man backline against the Premier League champions.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start at right-back and will look to put the shackles on whoever plays on the left for City.
Brandon Williams had a tough outing against Riyad Mahrez and might lose his place to Luke Shaw tomorrow.
In central defence, the duo of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof should be starting and the former will be pumped after scoring his first for the club.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic played the first half of the FA Cup win before being substituted by Fred. The duo should start in midfield with Juan Mata playing ahead of them in the Manchester United lineup.
Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard are alternatives.
Attack
Daniel James should start on the left side of attack, having not featured against Tranmere. Anthony Martial should play up top, with Mason Greenwood playing on the right in the Manchester United lineup.
United need goals and will have to attack City if they stand a chance of progressing to the final.
