Manchester United are back at Old Trafford this weekend for the first time since the soul-destroying 5-0 defeat.
This weekend’s opponents are Manchester City, and despite United’s away win over them last season, Pep Guardiola’s side managed a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in the league last season, and a 2-0 away win in the cup.
Fans are back now of course, for the first time for a home derby since United’s 2-0 win right before the 2020 lockdown.
United need a win to head into the international break on a high note, especially manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
City lost at home to Palace last weekend, meaning United can go level with them on points with a victory.
How will United line up?
United enter this game with options. Will the team go with the 3-5-2 formation used against Tottenham, or revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation?
Raphael Varane’s injury may influence this. With him injured, United reverted to a 4-2-3-1 against Atalanta midway through the game.
Eric Bailly deserves to keep his place after an impressive midweek performance.
One player very likely to come back into the side is Fred, after he was rested against Atalanta. With Paul Pogba suspended, the Brazilian is assured of a starting spot and was effective away at City last season.
A big call would be to play Jadon Sancho against his former club and Solskjaer will be tempted to do so.
If United go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, this is how we expect the side to line up…
How United would look in a 3-5-2
The 4-2-3-1 is just one option and United may look for a more defensively secure approach against City.
A 3-5-2 would mean Victor Lindelof comes in to form a back three if fit. He is still a doubt although could be passed fit to feature.
Solskjaer could select Shaw at centre-back to retain the back three if Lindelof is out and bring in Alex Telles to wing-back.
What the formation does is is change attacking personnel, with no room for Sancho.
Edinson Cavani would come back in to partner Ronaldo, having been left out of the starting line-up in midweek, possibly with this fixture in mind.
If for whatever reason Cavani was not fit to start, Marcus Rashford would be in line to replace him.
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
