Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made two changes to the starting line-up for today’s Premier League derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Red Devils recently suffered their first league defeat of the calendar year. They were second best to Fulham at Old Trafford and were eventually beaten by a 2-1 scoreline.
United have since fallen 11 points behind Aston Villa in the race for the final Champions League spot and today’s derby is a must-win for the club to stay in the hunt for the top four.
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag has made a couple of changes from the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night.
At the back, Jonny Evans has been brought in to partner Raphael Varane in central defence. Diogo Dalot starts at right-back while Victor Lindelof will feature on the opposite end.
Sofyan Amrabat, who got a rare start from the left-back position, has dropped to the bench.
In midfield, Casemiro will be partnered by Kobbie Mainoo, who was only a late substitute in midweek.
The United graduate has been brilliant since his breakthrough during the festive period. He has the chance to enhance his ever-growing reputation in today’s crucial derby.
Further forward, Antony has returned to the bench. It seems Scott McTominay will operate from the number 10 position for United with Bruno Fernandes on the right wing.
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to start from the left side of the United attack while Marcus Rashford will lead the line for the third game running with Rasmus Hojlund out injured.
Confirmed Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Man City: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho; Rashford.
United have lost plenty of ground on Villa over the past few week. A victory at the Etihad would be a huge statement from the club and the faithful will be hoping for the same.
The Red Devils have found success against City in the past by playing on the counter-attack. We could see similar tactics today which could bring Marcus Rashford more into the game.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
