Casemiro And Christian Eriksen To Start; Scott McTominay Dropped: United’s Predicted XI To Face City

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the results since the international break, if not the performances, but it does leave some question marks heading into the derby this weekend.

City have not exactly been at their best themselves but they will go into the match at Old Trafford as favourites. The home side will, therefore, have to up their game if they are to get some points from this fixture.

In terms of the starting lineup, Andre Onana will start in goal, and it will be hoped that his crucial penalty save against FC Copenhagen midweek gives him the confidence boost he needs.


Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon are expected to line up as the two fullbacks and, after keeping a clean sheet on Wednesday evening, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are set to retain their places in the centre of defence.

There are, however, more decisions to make in midfield. Casemiro has still not recovered fully from the ankle injury he sustained on international level. However, if the Brazilian does pass a late fitness test, ten Hag is likely to start him, with Sofyan Amrabat making way.

After Christian Eriksen’s excellent performance in the second half versus Copenhagen, a position will need to be found for him in the starting eleven. Scott McTominay would be the likeliest to be benched in favour of the Dane. Bruno Fernandes is expected to be favoured ahead of Mason Mount in the no.10 position.

Up front, ten Hag has limited options. Anthony Martial has not looked the part when given chances recently, so Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line once again, despite having not scored in the league so far for United.

Marcus Rashford is set to start on the left wing and, despite performing poorly, Antony may still keep his place on the right flank.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI to face Manchester City:

Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon, Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Hojlund, Rashford

Watch this video on Shots!TV here as our pundits preview the Manchester derby

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David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.