Manchester United will be hosting their rivals Manchester City on Sunday. The match is crucial considering the positions of the two clubs in the league, with both fighting for first position.

David De Gea

The Spaniard might not have sufficient number of clean sheets to his name term but he has been very influential for the Red Devils. He saved a brilliant penalty in the midweek against CSKA Moscow, only for it to be scored from the rebound, and also made a decent save which avoided the Russian side from doubling their lead.

De Gea has been a big game player for United in last two years so he must start against Manchester City on Sunday.

Daley Blind

The left back position has been occupied by different players since the side lost Luke Shaw for a horrific injury. Marcos Rojo did well against Everton but had a very tough one hour of play against CSKA Moscow. Blind replaced him and did a better job as he was pressing his opponents better and supporting Anthony Martial well on the left flank.

City have pace on their right flank in form of Jesus Navas but Blind is positionally intelligent and did well against him last year in the same fixture, which will surely enhance the chances of Dutch international starting against them.

Chris Smalling

The first name to be on the team sheet. The English defender has been the most consistent player for Red Devils this season. He has been rock solid at the back and lead the defence line perfectly.

He was on the score sheet last year in this fixture at Old Trafford and will surely get a chance to do it again this term.

Phil Jones

Jones was brought back in to starting line-up by Louis Van Gaal against Everton after the England international had missed initial part of the season due to injury.

He handled the threat of Romelu Lukaku well. Van Gaal ditched his left and right foot combination in the heart of defence for tackling the physicality of the striker and Jones will most probably in starting eleven to stop Wilfried Bony.

Matteo Darmian

The Italian international has been first choice right-back this year for United. He endured a very tough game against Arsenal but came back well after the international break.

He was rested against CSKA Moscow and will surely back in the side to tackle the threat of Raheem Sterling.

Morgan Schneiderlin

The former Saints midfielder is finally showing his qualities after two impressive performances against Everton and CSKA Moscow.

The Frenchmen provides the necessary stability in the midfield and shields the defence well. He has shown great partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger in this games and Van Gaal will surely not tamper with this combination in a big match.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

It was a surprise that the German captain started in the midweek clash against the Russian side. He was later substituted at half time ,most probably to save him for the derby.

The German has been a leader in the midfield for Manchester United and his leadership will be crucial for getting a positive result out of this fixture, so he is likely to be a starter on Sunday.

Ander Herrera

The man of the match against Everton. He was the perfect glue between the attack and defence in that game.United have always played better when the Spaniard has been on the pitch.

Van Gaal suggested that he was the best player at Goodison last Saturday, so the Spaniard will probably get a nod on Sunday as there will be acres of space in the final third to exploit.

Anthony Martial

The Manchester United’s number nine has been the  focal point of their attack since joining the club on deadline day. Martial has been shunted to left wing in last two matches replacing the struggling Memphis Depay.

He has done well there as he destroyed Seamus Coleman against Everton and scored an important equaliser against CSKA Moscow. He is going to play a key part for the Red Devils irrespective of his position on the field.

Wayne Rooney

After celebrating his 30th birthday on Saturday, Rooney will start in his favourite fixture. He has been the all time top scorer in Manchester derbies.

He has shown little bit promise in last two matches where he played as a sole striker. He has made decent runs and also scored a good goal against Everton, so it is most likely that Van Gaal will continue to keep faith in his captain.

Juan Mata

The Spaniard has started all the matches for United this season. He has been both creator and goal scorer for the Red Devils.

He was rested against CSKA Moscow. Van Gaal last term labelled him as one of his best players at Old Trafford so the former Chelsea midfielder will be in the starting eleven on Sunday.

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About the author
Kiran Thakare
Student of Chemical Engineering. United supporter.