Ben Foster explains how Man Utd would have fared v City with Bellingham and Saka in the line-up

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Manchester United were overwhelmed by a City fightback in the derby, relinquishing a lead to lose the game 3-1.

Erik ten Hag had his work cut out for the derby, going into the game without a recognised striker.

United had actually led 1-0 at half-time, but were unable to hold onto the lead, with a lack of depth one critical reason for the team’s struggles.

No matter how Erik ten Hag tried to change his team around, he just did not have the options at his disposal to get a result against City over the 90 minutes.

‘Saka and Bellingham wouldn’t have changed it’

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster was quizzed about the derby in an interview for The United Stand, and was asked whether the players were good enough to beat City.

He was asked if Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka were hypothetically on Manchester United’s team instead of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Foster believes it would not have made a difference.

He said: “They are still not touching Man City. No they won’t. No chance. 

“They would be better, it would raise it a little bit for sure, but Man City would still be going, ‘yeah that’s fine’. On the rare occasion you have the ball you might be a little bit more [dangerous].”

Perhaps, of course, with Fernandes and Rashford on the bench, then United might have had the depth to do something. But ultimately, you need a centre-forward.

With Rasmus Hojlund injured, United did not have a credible alternative, which is poor squad planning.

A striker is needed

Manchester United needed a centre-forward to at least stand a chance against City, and Foster explained the impact one can provide.

He pointed out how Erling Haaland, even though he did not play well, drew focus from United’s players to allow City’s other stars to flourish.

He said: “Haaland, I know he scored a last minute goal, but him playing as a big focal point takes the eyes off the other players around him, the Fodens the Dokus, that’s what gets them the chances. ‘Don’t let Haaland have a sniff, because you know he’s going to score’, and that’s why Phil Foden profited and all the other players profited, because the attention is off them.

“They have to double up on Haaland and there’s always a space for Phil Foden to come through.”

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