It’s the big one this weekend, as Manchester United take on Manchester City in the Manchester derby.
Erik ten Hag will be going into this game slightly more confident than he would have a couple of weeks back.
Manchester United won three games in a week, although the performances have been somewhat unconvincing. They will be looking to continue the streak against City.
This naturally comes down to how the players perform, which begs the question – what would be a combined XI of the two sides?
Man Utd and Man City Combined XI
Here is how we think the combined Manchester side would look. Please bear in mind we’re factoring in injuries and suspensions – and basing on current form.
Formation – 4-3-3
- GK- Ederson
- RB – Kyle Walker
- CB – Ruben Dias
- CB – Nathan Ake
- LB – Josko Gvardiol
- CM – Rodri
- CM – Bernardo Silva
- CAM – Bruno Fernandes
- RW – Phil Foden
- ST – Erling Haaland
- LW – Julian Alvarez
The harsh reality for Erik ten Hag is that Bruno Fernandes is the only player to get in the combined XI -and even that’s a stretch.
Fernandes has really been United’s only majorly consistent player this season. The captain leads by example and works harder than anyone on the pitch. He’ll be seriously needed this Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes vs Manchester City
He usually delivers. A stat via the BBC really shows his class in the big fixture.
‘Bruno Fernandes has scored in his last two games against Manchester City – the last Man Utd player to score in three consecutive Manchester derbies in all competitions was Paul Scholes in the 2003-04 campaign.’
The Portuguese Magnifico is going to be crucial once again on Sunday. Goals have been few and far between this season and if anyone looks like they may crop up with one – it’s him.
With Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund not firing, he could be our saving grace once again. Let’s see what pans out on Sunday – but the combined XI isn’t exactly instating hope.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
