CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS, plus RDA writers pick their Manchester United starting XI’s for the derby!

Manchester United take on Manchester City later today and our RDA writers have picked their starting XI’s on who they think should lineup in the derby. Will Jose Mourinho agree?

After a super performance in the week, there are a few names who standout as being guaranteed selections for the derby today.

Ander Herrera has been in tremendous form of late after coming on as a sub against Bournemouth last Saturday. The Spaniard continued this form in Turin on Wednesday night against Champions League giants Juventus.

Herrera was crucial to help United win back the ball in the middle of the park, pressing Juventus into giving up possession. Something which United should try and impose on City today.

Anthony Martial has been in the form of his life for the Red Devils of late and could really solidify himself as a hot property in the Premier League with another performance against a top-six side today.

Another talking point was whether Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford or Romelu Lukaku should start up top for United. All three display individual qualities that can benefit the team, but against a City side who will try to form waves of attacks, you need someone to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure off the back four.

Ali Akbar

David De Gea

Ashley Young, V

ictor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw

Fred, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba

Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial

The back four did an amazing job in Turin midweek so should be left unchanged against City.

Matic has been far from solid these past few games, so Herrera should come in to sure up the midfield.

Although Lukaku is back from injury, Sanchez should remain up front as his movement is much better as is his ability on the ball.

Ollie Slack

David De Gea

Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw

Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba

Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial

The back five were brilliant against a Juventus and the best way to ensure consistency is to keep a consistent defensive line. Smalling and Lindelof have performed well in the last few weeks but haven’t been protected by the midfield.

A major part of that midfield problem has been Nemanja Matic and I don’t think the Serbian can be trusted to track the City runners. Marouane Fellaini causes opposition teams problems wherever he plays, the key is to make sure he doesn’t cause United problems either.
A major part of that midfield problem has been Nemanja Matic and I don’t think the Serbian can be trusted to track the City runners. Marouane Fellaini causes opposition teams problems wherever he plays, the key is to make sure he doesn’t cause United problems either.

Mata deserves to start, not just because of his free-kick, but also because of his reliability in the big games. He, Sanchez and Martial can be a devastating front three and all are very composed finishers.

CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS

David De Gea

Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw

Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, Marouane Fellaini

Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial