Combined XI: Manchester City vs. Manchester United
The upcoming Manchester derby is set to unfold at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester City hosts Manchester United in the Premier League.
Both teams were engaged in FA Cup fixtures earlier this week, with Manchester City securing a convincing 6-2 victory over Luton Town to progress to the quarter-finals, while Manchester United secured their spot in the last eight with a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City emerged victorious against Bournemouth in their most recent Premier League outing last weekend. However, Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham in their last domestic fixture.
Presently, Pep Guardiola’s side occupies the second position in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by just one point. Meanwhile, Manchester United currently sits in sixth place, trailing fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur by three points and fourth-placed Aston Villa by eight points.
The Manchester derby promises to showcase some of the Premier League’s top talents. With this in mind, Sports Mole has selected a combined XI from both squads, utilizing only players available for the upcoming clash.
Andre Onana’s recent performances for Manchester United have shown significant improvement, with the 27-year-old appearing to overcome a shaky start. However, selecting the Cameroonian over Ederson is challenging, as the Brazilian goalkeeper continues to impress for Manchester City this season.
In the defensive line, two Manchester United players feature, with Raphael Varane particularly standing out in recent weeks. Despite losing his starting position earlier in the season, the experienced center-back has reclaimed his spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, making 25 appearances so far this season. Varane’s experience and leadership have played a crucial role in Manchester United’s strong form at the beginning of 2024.
Diogo Dalot also earns a spot in the lineup, transitioning to left-back, a position he has occasionally played this season. The Portuguese international has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions and emerging as one of the Premier League’s top full-backs.
At right-back, Kyle Walker is selected, with the 33-year-old continuing to play a vital role for Manchester City this season, appearing in 35 matches across all competitions. In the heart of the defense, Ruben Dias earns a place due to his outstanding performances, edging out teammates Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Unfortunately, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez cannot be included in the lineup due to a knee injury.
Kobbie Mainoo has been exceptional for Manchester United since breaking into the team, while Bruno Fernandes also deserves recognition. However, in this combined XI, the midfield is dominated by players from Manchester City.
Phil Foden has been exceptional for the Citizens this season, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists in 39 appearances, making him one of Guardiola’s most frequently featured players.
Rodri effortlessly secures a place in the XI, having enjoyed another impressive campaign. The 27-year-old Spanish international has contributed seven goals and seven assists in 33 appearances for the English champions this season, reaffirming his status as the standout defensive midfielder in the Premier League.
Despite limited appearances this season due to injury, Kevin De Bruyne’s class is undeniable. The Belgian midfielder has managed two goals and 12 assists in just 12 appearances, showcasing his quality since returning to action. There was never any doubt about his inclusion in this particular lineup.
Julian Alvarez is incredibly unfortunate to be left out of the lineup, considering his impressive tally of 15 goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances this season.
However, for the sake of balance in the team, Bernardo Silva is positioned on the right flank. The Portuguese international has enjoyed another successful campaign, contributing eight goals and five assists in 33 appearances. At 29 years old, Silva remains one of the Premier League’s top performers, and Manchester United will need to contain him to secure a positive result on Sunday afternoon.
Erling Haaland is a natural inclusion, having scored 27 goals and provided six assists in 30 appearances for Manchester City this season. The Norwegian striker has also been prolific against Manchester United, with five goals and three assists in three Premier League encounters.
The final spot in the lineup goes to Alejandro Garnacho, who gets the nod over teammate Marcus Rashford on the left wing. Garnacho has been a consistent presence for Manchester United this season, making 35 appearances and contributing seven goals and three assists. Despite the club’s challenging campaign, the 19-year-old has displayed resilience and character.
