Our expert writers make big changes as they pick their Manchester United STARTING XI’s to play City!
By Ollie Slack
Manchester United host Manchester City this evening knowing a win could potentially lift them into the top four, but also hand arch-rivals Liverpool a major boost in claiming their first Premier League title. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer demanded a reaction from his players after the embarrassing defeat to Everton on Sunday, but which players have been given the chop?
Ali Akbar
After serving his suspension, Luke Shaw can finally return to the starting XI and strengthen a defence that has been so poor without him in recent games.
Solskjaer will hopefully play Diogo Dalot in his natural position at right-back as his delivery is far better than Ashley Young’s, although he will need to be careful defending against City’s wingers.
Nemanja Matic was arguably the worst player on the pitch in the 4-0 defeat to Everton, letting players run past him constantly, so Scott McTominay will almost certainly start in defensive midfield.
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Anthony Martial was woeful in front of goal against the Toffees, and although Alexis Sanchez has hardly been prolific himself at United, he deserves a chance to prove himself against City.
David de Gea
Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba
Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez
Ollie Slack
It will be great to see Luke Shaw back this evening. He adds real quality both in defence and attack for Manchester United. Diogo Dalot needs to smarten up defensively tonight as he is coming up against some top opposition.
Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba should be dropped. Not just because of their performances in recent weeks, but their attitudes too. It’s a risk but it will benefit the club in the long-term. In comes McTominay and Pereira in what will be another big night for them. If they can both replicate their performances against Liverpool earlier this month, they should be fine.
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Martial is another man who has been atrocious recently and therefore should be benched. Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford alongside Alexis Sanchez, who should be given another chance to impress after a positive cameo against Barcelona a week ago.
David de Gea
Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
Scott McTominay, Fred, Andreas Pereira
Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez