Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows a big defeat against reigning champions Manchester City could jeopardise his chances of staying in the job.

While a victory at the Etihad Stadium does seem unlikely, the Dutchman needs some sort of a result against the club’s fiercest rivals to cool speculation about his future.

The team’s injury situation won’t help matters, though, with ten Hag confirming that eight players have been ruled out of contention for the derby.

In terms of the starting eleven, Andre Onana is set to start in goal, but there could be a change in the fullback positions from the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest midweek.

Sofyan Amrabat struggled at left-back so the Moroccan could be dropped in favour of Jonny Evans, with Victor Lindelof moving out to the left-hand side of defence. Diogo Dalot is expected to continue on the right flank.

With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez still sidelined, ten Hag is set to pair Evans with Raphael Varane, as United look to keep the deadly Erling Haaland quiet.

There may well be a reshuffle in midfield too, with Kobbie Mainoo being recalled and Scott McTominay dropping out. The teenager is likely to line up alongside Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes.

Up front, ten Hag doesn’t really have many options to choose from. The Dutchman went with Omari Forson against Fulham but the England youth international couldn’t get into the game as United lost to the Cottagers.

Antony did start versus Forest and the Brazilian played well before being subbed in the second half. He is set to keep his place on the right wing, with Alejandro Garnacho starting on the left flank and Marcus Rashford leading the line.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI to play City:

Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mainoo, Antony, Rashford, Garnacho