Manchester United head into the derby this weekend full of confidence and optimism, also knowing the team is on the right track, regardless of the result.
A win against City this weekend though, could be huge, as it would cut the gap on Pep Guardiola’s side to just one point.
Many aspects of United’s side pick themselves. In midfield, Casemiro is a certain starter and a big performance is expected from the Brazilian.
The dilemma ahead for Erik ten Hag is who should partner Casemiro, whether it be Christian Eriksen or Fred.
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The case for Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen has been Casemiro’s regular partner in Manchester United’s midfield for most of the team’s run under Erik ten Hag.
The case to continue is simply to continue with Ten Hag’s best midfield, and let Eriksen work his magic. He has proven repeatedly that he can be a difference maker.
And forget the first game at The Etihad, this is at Old Trafford, and there should be more opportunities to attack against a City side which are not clicking as they were earlier in the season.
This isn’t a time for United to be cautious, the Red Devils should attack City while they are vulnerable, and this means selecting season assist leader Christian Eriksen, who has eight in total.
The Dane has an impressive career record against City too, with 11 goal contributions in total, five goals and six assists, only managing more against Swansea City (13).
The case for Fred
Even with Casemiro in midfield, Erik ten Hag may be concerned that Christian Eriksen could simply be overrun by City’s midfield like in the game earlier this season.
Eriksen’s earlier career success against City came when positioned higher up the pitch. There is a case that United may want more of a battler like Fred in midfield for his game.
Fred started alongside Casemiro in games against Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea in the league, suggesting Ten Hag had some reservations over the Dane’s role in big games after the City defeat. This weekend will tell if that is a theme.
In those games, Fred was particularly effective in the win over Tottenham, and he needs no introduction to Casemiro, a player he has featured alongside for Brazil several times.
Putting Fred into the side does not mean taking creativity out of the side either. In midweek he created four goalscoring chances, more than any player on the pitch.
Other options
Another alternative is to play Scott McTominay, to put him in alongside Casemiro. This would certainly be a combative pairing who could win the battles, but would it be too one-dimensional?
Both Fred and Eriksen are better at progressing the ball than McTominay, while there are not too many other options, with Donny van de Beek out injured.
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