Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the right selection calls against City to lead United to a 2-1 victory.
The two unluckiest players were youngsters Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood, who have been big contributors over the recent month.
The local lads will have been disappointed to miss out on a chance to start their first derby. There will be plenty more to come for them.
Three weeks ago Greenwood and Williams both scored their first Premier League goals in a draw with Sheffield United.
Earlier in the week, Greenwood led the line effectively for United in the 2-1 win over Tottenham. He was moved aside for a returning Anthony Martial, who scored United’s winner over City.
Williams missed both games, with Solskjaer looking to tighten up defensively by picking more experienced defenders Ashley Young and Luke Shaw.
Solskjaer’s decisions paid off, but both players should get the opportunity to return this week in the Europa League.
AZ decisions
United face AZ Alkmaar in the final Europa League group game on Thursday. It’s not quite a dead rubber, with the winner of the match finishing first in the group. A draw would also be good enough for United.
It is an ideal time to mix the team up again ahead of the Premier League match with Everton at the weekend.
Williams has missed the last two games, and impressed against AZ in the away match. He should be a locked in starter.
Greenwood is also a sensible choice to lead the line considering Martial’s recent injury scare which saw him miss the Spurs match.
Teenager Greenwood has already netted two Europa League goals this season and should be given another chance to add to his tally.
Both players were unlucky to miss out against City, and may consider they have a point to prove, to try and get back into Solskjaer’s starting line up.
This extra motivation for them is good for United, and we are looking forward to seeing the young duo back in action.
Who else could return?
Marcos Rojo and Nemanja Matic are the two most likely players of United’s injured stars to be back in the squad, report PremierInjuries.com.
The game is likely to be soon soon for Eric Bailly or Diogo Dalot, which is a shame.
That means youngster Ethan Laird is another candidate at right-back after impressing against Astana.
James Garner and Dylan Levitt should also be in consideration, while Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes will hope for one final Europa League chance.
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