Kobbie Mainoo is predicted to start as Ruben Amorim lines up Manchester United to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend as Rúben Amorim takes his team across the city for a derby clash with Manchester City.
Neither side have enjoyed the best of starts. United have managed a win, a draw and a defeat, while City have also taken just three points from their first three fixtures, leaving them down in 13th place.
The Manchester derby offers both clubs the chance to spark their campaign into life and deal an early blow to their rivals in what has already been an unpredictable season.
When the two sides last met at the Etihad, United pulled off a dramatic comeback, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad sealing a memorable 2-1 victory just before the turn of the year.
Mainoo to start amid Šeško message
Amorim has already confirmed that Altay Bayındır is starting in goal despite the recent signing of Senne Lammens, as he wants someone with experience in goal for such a crucial tie.
Meanwhile, no changes are expected in the back three, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw so far creating and cementing a good partnership beyond the goalkeeper.
As for the wing-backs, with City looking susceptible on the counterattack thus far this season, Amorim will be looking for speed and creativity on the flanks. Amad and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu are expected to continue their roles on the right and left, respectively.
The midfield is where changes will likely be made. Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have been ruled out of the derby fixture due to injuries, although it’s thought neither injury is long-term. Therefore, Fernandes looks likely to slot into the left forward role.
This means that Kobbie Mainoo, who is competing with Fernandes for a place, will almost certainly play as one of the two deeper midfielders, with Casemiro the more likely candidate to partner him due to the Brazilian’s experience in big games.
As for the other two positoins, Bryan Mbeumo is nailed on to start at the right-sided forward, having scored in his last two fixtures and recently crowned as United’s Player of the Month for August.
Finally, Benjamin Šeško is likely to finally be handed his first Premier League start for United. The striker sent a clear message to Amorim earlier this week that he is keen to get going after flying back from international duty a day early to train.
Also, he completed 90 minutes twice across the last week for Slovenia before securing five days of rest and recovery within his training, signifying that he is on track to become settled and fit to start.
United predicted XI vs City
Bayındır, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Šeško, Fernandes.