Manchester United are set to make their way to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League, with the derby bragging rights at stake.
The Red Devils’ four-game winning run in the Premier League was snapped following a shock 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday. This left them sixth on the table, eight points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag wanted an immediate response from his boys and got that on Wednesday evening in the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest. A late Casemiro header helped his side win 1-0 against Forest and prevail to the FA Cup quarter-finals, which should give Ten Hag and Co. some confidence heading into the Manchester derby.
Manchester United Team News
Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane were doubts ahead of the cup tie against Forest but the duo still completed 90 minutes, although the former was spotted limping out of the City Ground after the game which should be worrying signs for Ten Hag and Manchester United.
Harry Maguire missed the midweek cup game due to injury and remains doubtful to face Man City. Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw have fallen victim to injuries recently, joining the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial on the sidelines.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has performed well in goal since the start of 2024, and him bagging a clean sheet at Forest should boost his confidence heading into the derby. He must pull off a blinder to help Man United get a result at the Etihad Stadium.
Defence
As Harry Maguire’s injury is unknown, Erik ten Hag is likely to stick with the centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
Sofyan Amrabat operated as a makeshift left-back against Forest in midweek, and after a shaky opening 15 minutes, he grew into the game. The Moroccan should start in that position again in the injury absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while Diogo Dalot hopes to impress from the right-back slot.
Midfield
Casemiro, who scored the winner against Forest in the FA Cup fifth round, should occupy his natural position in defensive midfield. His positioning and experience on the pitch will be extremely key against a well-oiled City side. The Brazilian is expected to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot.
Bruno Fernandes was a doubt for the midweek cup game due to fitness but fought to stay on the pitch until the final whistle and delivered the decisive assist for Casemiro’s header. Despite limping after the game, the Portuguese is expected to shake off his problem and lead the Man United team out of the tunnel on Sunday.
Scott McTominay should drop out of the first XI but could be a potent weapon to bring off the bench, if the visitors are chasing the game.
Attack
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony started in attack on Wednesday evening, and regardless of their failure to click into gear and combine well for large periods of the game, Ten Hag is expected to stick with the front three against City.
Omari Forson, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen and McTominay could be called into action at some point in the derby.