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