Henderson, Pogba And Cavani To Start: Manchester United’s Predicted XI For The Derby

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3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester United News

Tags: Dean Henderson, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paul Pogba

It’s hardly the ideal time to play a Manchester derby after crashing out of the Champions League only a few days earlier, but United’s players need to dust themselves off quickly and show a reaction.

Considering all the negativity, it is strange to think that the Red Devils are actually one point ahead of City going into the game at Old Trafford this weekend.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know, though, that Pep Guardiola’s team have begun to play much better in recent weeks and he’ll need to see a massive improvement on his team’s display against RB Leipzig to be in with a shout of getting a victory.

So who will start for United on Saturday? Press the next page as we predict the starting eleven.

GK – Dean Henderson

David De Gea was once again criticised for his performance against Leipzig, and his inability to keep out the third goal has left many wondering whether it is finally time to drop him.

It will be a big call by Solskjaer but Henderson deserves his chance to start a big game, and they don’t come much bigger than the Manchester derby.

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The 23-year-old’s inconsistent displays this season have left many supporters worried about his progress. He simply could not deal with Leipzig’s Angelino on Tuesday night and looked all over the place at times.

Wan-Bissaka, though, will be coming face to face with a winger in Raheem Sterling who he has had success against in the past and he will be hoping to keep the City star quiet on Saturday.

CB – Victor Lindelof

The Swedish international was replaced before the end of the game against Leipzig so there are question marks over his selection for the derby.

Axel Tuanzebe came on for the final 15 minutes in Germany and you’d expect him to be the one to come in for Lindelof if Solskjaer makes a change at centre-half.

CB – Harry Maguire

The captain’s lack of pace was exposed once more in Germany but Solskjaer is highly unlikely to take him out of the firing line despite a poor showing during the week.

Maguire won’t be coming up against Sergio Aguero, with the City star only fit enough to make the bench, so the challenge will be to keep Gabriel Jesus quiet.

LB – Alex Telles

Substituted at half-time on Tuesday, it’s clear that the Brazilian is more comfortable attacking than defending but, with Luke Shaw still finding his way back to full fitness, Telles is unlikely to be dropped.

Whether Riyad Mahrez or Ferran Torres starts for City, the fullback will have a lot on his plate. Will he be up to the task this time? We shall have to wait and see.

CM – Scott McTominay

With Fred nowhere to be seen in the last two matchday squads, and Nemanja Matic having a difficult night against Leipzig, McTominay is the likeliest of the three holding midfielder to start versus City.

The Scotland international was certainly not the worst performer on Tuesday so he could keep his place for the weekend.

CM – Paul Pogba

Despite the ongoing soap opera surrounding his future, the Frenchman has kept his focus on the pitch, scoring a crucial goal against West Ham whilst contributing to United’s second versus Leipzig.

Some may think Donny van de Beek deserves to start ahead of Pogba but, on recent form, the 27-year-old could well be favoured by Solskjaer.

AM – Bruno Fernandes

One of the few players to come out with any credit from the loss to Leipzig, the Portuguese international is undoubtedly the first name of the teamsheet for the derby.

If United are to come out on top against City, Fernandes will almost certainly be at the heart of things.

RW – Mason Greenwood

The teenager had his chances on Tuesday evening but despite not getting on the scoresheet, it is clear he is back in form and it would be a surprise if he is left out on Saturday.

City’s weakest position is at left-back, so Greenwood’s threat on the right flank could make him a vital player this weekend.

CF – Edinson Cavani

The Uruguayan missed the defeat to Leipzig due to a minor niggle and he is expected to be back in contention for the derby.

With Anthony Martial also struggling for fitness, Cavani could well be given the nod ahead of the Frenchman to start, depending on the two players’ fitness heading into the game.

LW – Marcus Rashford

Like Greenwood, the 23-year-old did have goalscoring opportunities in Germany, and he’ll need to be a lot sharper in front of goal when they face City.

Rashford’s threat on the counterattack should pose a lot of problems for Pep Guardiola’s side so it will be hoped he is at his best on Saturday.