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Local pride and three vital points are up for grabs as Manchester United welcome city rivals Manchester City to their home ground in the Premier League this Sunday.
The Red Devils have endured a mixed start to their league campaign, with their convincing win over Ipswich Town wedged between a surprising loss to Hull City and a disappointing stalemate with Everton. They did manage to put on an impressive display in their Champions League return during the week, netting four goals without reply against Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah FK.
Michael Carrick fielded a strong starting eleven despite the limited quality of United's opposition on Thursday, meaning minimal changes are expected ahead of City's visit. He does face a decision in his attacking line, however, along with uncertainty at left back.
Here's how United could set up at Old Trafford.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
GK: Senne Lammens—The Belgian had little to do when Sabah visited, but a far more demanding performance is expected when dealing with City's dangerous attacking unit.
RB: Diogo Dalot—City possess a wealth of wide attackers capable of giving Dalot serious problems, with Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye both excellent alternatives in the absence of the sidelined Jérémy Doku.
CB: Harry Maguire—Maguire will face no greater challenge than Erling Haaland throughout the entire season. Although he kept a clean sheet against the Norwegian in the most recent Manchester derby, the City forward has racked up eight goals and three assists across 10 outings against United.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez got on the scoresheet midweek while keeping a clean sheet in his third straight start of the campaign, though containing Haaland and his teammates is an altogether different challenge.
LB: Luke Shaw—"We'll have to see." Those were the cautious words from Carrick when asked about Shaw's availability, but his omission from the Sabah win was likely a deliberate measure to ensure he's fit to face fellow Englishman Phil Foden this weekend.
CM: Youri Tielemans—Following a shaky start at Hull, Tielemans has looked more composed when paired with Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. The Belgian will be key in linking attack and defense on Sunday.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo—The homegrown talent, who netted in the 2024 FA Cup final triumph over City, has been in outstanding form at the start of the new season, displaying quality in every outing.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—After drawing a blank at the MKM Stadium, Mbeumo bounced back with goals against Ipswich and Everton, and further contributed with an assist against Sabah.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—When Fernandes performs, United perform. The skipper bagged a hat trick in his last Premier League outing at Old Trafford and will be absolutely crucial to a successful derby day.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Given a rest as a precaution midweek, Rashford is set to return against a well-known opponent. No current Premier League side has conceded more goals to the Englishman than City (seven in 23 encounters).
ST: Matheus Cunha—Carrick faces a difficult decision at the No. 9 spot. Benjamin Šeško has found the net in back-to-back games, but the Slovenian is still building his way back to full fitness. If only one of him and Cunha starts against City, the Brazilian appears the more likely choice.