Predicted XI: Hojlund to lead the attack against Manchester City? Rashford benched as his form is dire! Ugarte & Mainoo in midfield?

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they travel the short distance to the Etihad Stadium where they will face Manchester City – the first Manchester derby of the season in the Premier League. City have been in terrible form over the last ten matches with just one victory.

United’s form has been bad too but not as bad as City. United have won six of their last ten matches, losing twice and drawing twice. City sit eight points clear of United in the league this season and their form means that United should be looking to take advantage and get a much needed victory at the Etihad once again.

City are not the force they once were. Perhaps the pressures of the cheating investigation have got to them. Pep Guardiola is easily rattled too, which is great to see as he really is a sore loser. Maybe, just maybe, City fans in their droves will start supporting the club they supported before City won the Arab State Lottery!

Predicted Manchester United Starting XI – 3-4-2-1

Onana;

Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez;

Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia;

Fernandes, Garnacho;

Hojlund

Goalkeeper: Onana

Andre Onana is the number one goalkeeper for United and he will start against City at the Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. The Cameroonian goalkeeper is a class player to have and to judge him based on the number of goals conceded by the club over the last two seasons is not all that fair.

United have been defensively poor with many players out injured and no real system at play. That seems to have changed as United are on the right direction under Ruben Amorim and the future looks good once again. United should be thriving in both defence and attack under Amorim and that is much needed.

Altay Bayindir will be expecting some more time as the goalkeeper but bringing him in against City, with no injuries to other players will be a problem as the experience he has is not the greatest and he has never played in a match as big as this one. Onana is the one for United and with a strong defence, United should thrive.

Defenders: Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire

United’s defence will require a change against City. Noussair Mazraoui should keep his place as he has been the best signing of the summer as you can see his work in the defence and United are much better for it. The Moroccan is a class player and will continue doing all he can to help his new club. What a player Bayern sold.

In the centre of the defence Matthijs de Ligt should start again. He works hard and does some dirty work to keep United on top at times. Obviously there are mistake at times – everyone makes mistakes. United will need to keep their defensive heads against City. This will be De Ligt’s first Manchester derby and he will thrive.

Lisandro Martinez has been playing on the left side of the back three recently but his height has seen the club taken advantage of this season and that will be the case against City too. Making a change with Harry Maguire starting in this position will be vital for United to thrive defensively and aim to beat City once again.

Midfield: Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia

United’s midfield was changed in Thursday’s match with Amad playing in the front three rather than the midfield. I believe that Amad is key for United and having him playing in the right wing back position. He is a crucial player for United this season and it is great to see him get a fair chance to sine for the club.

In the centre of the midfield, making changes is key to keep the squad fresh to take on City, who will be hurting at the moment. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will work well together in order to keep United thriving. Experience and youth are vital for United to thrive and Mainoo scored against City in the FA Cup final.

Tyrell Malacia could start in the left wing back position for United. He will be regaining match fitness and will challenge Diogo Dalot in this side of the defensive line as I do not feel the Portuguese fullback has done well this season. He was terrible against Plzeň on Thursday evening and cannot play like that against City.

Attack: Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho

United’s attacking line is much better without Marcus Rashford involved in it. Rasmus Hojlund has proven himself this season with seven goals in all competitions so far. His grace against Vikoria Plzeň showed the quality of the player. Getting him ready to score against City will be great to see and he needs a goal against them to thrive.

Bruno Fernandes picks himself in the starting XI when fit. Against City his experience will be key to get creative. He has some great numbers for United since signing for the club in January 2020, meaning he will have been at the club for five years next month. He has five goals and ten assists so far this season.

Alejandro Garnacho is a positive attacking player to support the attack against City. He scored in the FA Cup final for the club and has eight goals and four assists to his name so far this season. He did not start against Plzeň in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening, which has given him rest ahead of Sunday’s match with City.

Substitutes: Bayindir; Martinez, Yoro, Dalot; Mount, Casemiro; Rashford, Zirkzee, Antony

United will name a maximum of nine substitutes on the bench against City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Altay Bayindir will remain on the bench as the substitute goalkeeper. Onana has the experience to face City and will continue being trusted by Ruben Amorim this season.

In defence, I think a change will be made against City with Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot all on the bench which will give Amorim depth to make replacement to keep the squad fit. In the midfield, Mason Mount and Casemiro could be available as United will need changes in this area.

In attack, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Antony should all be available. I do not think Rashford has done anything to warrant a starting place against City and the rumours linking him with an Old Trafford exit either next month or in the summer seem to have come from somewhere – his attitude has been terrible this season.

Written by Paul