Latest Team News: Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester United face a massive challenge as they look to prove their credentials and progression under Erik ten Hag as they host their city rivals in Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime. 

Erik ten Hag’s side has been on phenomenal form — six wins in six — since the return of domestic football in late November, and they’ll look to continue that winning form on Saturday at Old Trafford with a full-strength lineup set to be named, but Ten Hag could be without his first team striker, Anthony Martial. 

There was heavy rotation midweek against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup, with many first-team regulars being rested in the comfortable win. 

Their opposition was also in action in the cup competition but failed to progress into the last four with a loss to Southampton, meaning the Cityzens will go two years without the trophy for the first time since 2016. 

Manchester United team news

As mentioned earlier, Anthony Martial will face a late fitness test to prove his availability for United on the weekend. While Ten Hag confirmed the capture of Wout Weghorst is close but will not be completed in time for the Dutch striker to feature on his derby debut.

Read More: Erik ten Hag addresses Wout Weghorst signing ahead of Manchester United’s derby day vs City

Ten Hag has also confirmed the unavailability of Diogo Dalot, who went off early for precaution against Charlton midweek and will now miss the derby on Saturday due to a hamstring problem. Also, Donny van de Beek has had his season ended with a severe knee injury.

Ten Hag will welcome back his preferable midfield three, with Bruno Fernandes missing the fixture midweek due to suspension. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will likely join him in midfield, with the pair’s minutes limited to 30 minutes each against Charlton. 

Jadon Sancho will still be unavailable as he continues his individual fitness programme.

Manchester City team news

As for Man City, Pep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones will not feature due to a lack of fitness, but he will not be limited in his options at centre-back as Ruben Dias returns for the first time post-World Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri will return to the starting XI, with Cole Palmer and Kalvin Phillips expected to make way. Same for the attack, Erling Haaland will start up front, with either two of Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez or Julian Alvarez completing the front three.