Manchester United have some major worries heading into the game against Manchester City. On one hand, Raphael Varane is set to miss around a month of action after picking up an injury against Atalanta. On the other hand, Victor Lindelof is in a race against time as well to be fit to face Pep Guardiola’s side. Paul Pogba is set to miss through suspension. And there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Edinson Cavani as well.
The game was always expected to be a tough one for Manchester United. And the injury worries appear to have made Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job a lot tougher.
The Norwegian manager has seen some of the pressure lifted off his shoulders over the past couple of games but will know it will be right back on if the Red Devils end up getting a bad result in the Manchester Derby.
It is very tricky to predict what kind of a team will take to the pitch against Manchester City, considering the number of injury doubts heading into the game and the effect they could have on the system.
Manchester United Predicted XI vs Manchester City
Here’s how we think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could line Manchester United up when they take on Manchester City at Old Trafford:
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
There is no question about this position. De Gea has been absolutely sensational all season and should retain his spot between the posts for the foreseeable future.
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw
Wan-Bissaka has been the first-choice right-back at Old Trafford since arriving and that is not expected to change against Manchester City.
Maguire and Bailly are the two centre-backs who are expected to start the game. The question mark is surrounding Lindelof and his fitness. If the defender is available then Manchester United would be expected to go ahead with their back three. Otherwise, they might have go back to a flat back four.
Shaw has been the regular left-back for a while now and would be expected to retain his position in the Manchester Derby.