The Manchester Derby returns today as both sides aim to make ground in the race for top four. Manchester United need to bounce back against Manchester City tonight. Only a win will do for both sides in the 183rd Manchester Derby. Here is our take on the combined XI:
Manchester Derby Combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Starts in the goal. The City keeper played 10 times this season, keeping 4 cleansheets conceding 11 goals in the League.
Defenders:
AARON WAN BISSAKA
Starts at the right side of the defence. The United defender since signing for the club in summer of 2018 has proved to be one of top 5 defenders in the league. Some would go on to argue about his attacking ability but we can’t ignore the young man have been the best right back in terms of defending. His successful tackle rate demonstrates that alone and the difficultly in getting past him as been something of great pleasure to watch.
RÚBEN DIAS
Starts in the centre back position. The young defender who signed for City for a club record fee of £65million this summer from Benefica has already shown why the club splashed so much on him. Since his arrival, City have conceded just 5 goals in 8 matches and kept 3 cleansheets. The 23 year old defender will be making his debut in the Manchester Derby on Saturday.
HARRY MAGUIRE
Starts alongside Dias in the central defence. The United skipper has shown why he was given the armband shortly after joining the team. Under his leadership United went from conceding 54 goals in the League to conceding 36 goal and having 13 cleansheets. This season, United are still looking to find their form defensively but he will be a crucial part of it.
JOÃO CANCELO
Completes the four man defence as he takes the left back position. Although he is known to play as a right back or right winger, the Portuguese can also be deployed in the left side of the pitch. The City defender is known for his attacking ability and his forward play. He already has 2 assists this season in the League.
MIDFIELDERS:
RODRIGO
Plays as the defensive midfielder in this team. The City midfielder has been solid in the midfield for in the league this season with 67% tackle success. He is the best forward passer in the league this season, something that goes unmentioned.
BRUNO FERNANDES
The “Portuguese magnifico” has been spectacular since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020. He has proven to be the best attacking midfielder in the league since he made his debut, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists in 24 games. No midfielder has scored more in that time.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE:
There’s no need for introduction because we all know who he is. The City midfielder have continued his magic in the midfield scoring 2 goals and providing 6 in 9 matches.
FORWARDS
MARCUS RASHFORD (MBE)
The United forward starts on the left side of the attack. Rashford plays naturally on the left side but his speed and dribbling abilities have made it easier for the 23 year old to play on either side of the attack. Rashford was at his best form last season when he scored 17 goals and provided 7 assists in the league last season. He is slowly getting back to his form scoring 3 goals and 4 assists so far. He also earned his first hatrick for the club in the Champions League.
RAHEEM STERLING
The City forward starts on the right side of the attack. The winger was his side highest goal scorer last season with 20 goals in 33 appearances for his side.
EDINSON CAVANI
The 33 years old made his mark in the EPL when he came on as a substitute in a comeback win against Southampton. Scoring two goals and provided one assist. The Uruguayan is no doubt a world class striker and he is at United to do what he does best, score goals.
