[4-1-2-3]: Formation changed, Amad and Martinez returns, TWO players removed- Manchester United’s predicted lineups against Manchester City as Ruben Amorim removes more players from the club’s squad
Ruben Amorim will be looking for a repeat of his first Manchester derby on Sunday.
Manchester United are looking to complete their first Premier League double over Manchester City since 2019/20.
It has been a season to forget for both Manchester clubs in 2024/25, though they will both be in the hunt to claim bragging rights at Old Trafford this weekend.
Amad Diallo was United’s hero in the previous derby at the Etihad Stadium, with his 90th-minute winner completing a late comeback to beat City 2-1.
City were leading 1-0 with 88 minutes on the clock before Bruno Fernandes stood up to convert a penalty kick after Amad was fouled inside the box by Matheus Nunes.
Although United were unable to build on that memorable win over City, Amorim will hope for a similar result when they face off again at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo fitness boost ahead of Manchester derby
Before the game, Amorim confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo is in contention to return but it may be too soon for a starting berth.
Mainoo has been out of action for two months with a muscular injury, but a substitute cameo could be on the cards against City.
Amorim stressed that Mainoo would be unable to play 90 minutes this soon after returning from injury, but it’s a sign that he is getting closer to a full return ahead of a busy end to the season.
United’s objective for the remainder of the campaign is to go all the way in the Europa League. Mainoo’s return from injury will only bolster their chances, but Amorim has other injuries to deal with…
Manchester United injury list
Lisandro Martinez
Amad Diallo
Ayden Heaven
Luke Shaw
Matthijs de Ligt
Jonny Evans
How will Manchester United line-up against Manchester City
The Reds go into the 196th instalment of the Manchester derby after suffering their 13th Premier League defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.
A goal from former United academy graduate Anthony Elanga in the fifth minute proved decisive. It means Amorim’s side are sitting in the bottom half of the league table after playing 30 matches.
United are back in action on Sunday evening and they will be confident of getting a result against a City side that hasn’t been at the races all season, despite being defending champions.
Here is how we have predicted United will line-up.
Goalkeeper: It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for Andre Onana, who remains Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper heading into his sixth Manchester derby. The Cameroon international has yet to keep a clean sheet against City.
Back three: After making his eagerly awaited return against Forest last weekend, Harry Maguire should start in the heart of defence, especially with Matthijs de Ligt listed as a doubt for the match. Maguire is set to be joined by Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro.
Wing-backs: Patrick Dorgu will start on the left flank, while Diogo Dalot plays on his preferred right-hand side.
Midfield: This area of the team needs to be willing to work hard against Guardiola’s side. Bruno Fernandes will be joined by Manuel Ugarte in the centre of the pitch, while Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee take up the attacking midfield roles.
Striker: After being left out of the starting line-up against Forest, Rasmus Hojlund will return to the fold against City. He ended his goal drought before the international break and will be looking to add to his tally for the season.
