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How Manchester United should line-up in Premier League fixture vs Man City
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United will be hoping to secure their first league double over rivals Manchester City in five years when they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
United staged a dramatic comeback at the Etihad Stadium back in December, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 with just two minutes of regulation time left on the clock. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty before Amad kept his composure to score a 90th-minute winner.
United will head into the game with the ambition of getting back on track after being beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night. Former winger Anthony Elanga scored the game's only goal with just five minutes on the clock.
Regarding the team news ahead of the visit of City, United head coach Ruben Amorim has said Kobbie Mainoo is in contention to return from injury but that Matthijs de Ligt is a possible doubt due to a suspected ankle problem.
Below, our writers have had their say on how they would like to see United line up:
Steven Railston:
Maguire was missed from the start against Nottingham Forest and should return to the starting side alongside De Ligt, who said he was "okay" after limping out of the City Ground on Tuesday night.
Fernandes and Ugarte have developed a healthy understanding and should resume that partnership.
There is enough evidence that says Zirkzee is not a striker and Hojlund should lead the attack. Garnacho was poor earlier in the week but I'd give him the opportunity to start in the derby.
George Smith:
If De Ligt wins his fitness battle and is deemed fit enough to start, he should so, taking up residency on the right of the back-three, supported by Maguire and Yoro.
Mazraoui had an uncharacteristically troublesome evening against Forest in midweek, meaning Dalot should start ahead of him at right wing-back. However, if De Ligt is deemed unavailable, Mazraoui should once again start in the back-three.
Fernandes was able to dictate proceedings much easier once he reverted back to one of the two No.8 positions for the second half against Forest, meaning he should start alongside Ugarte in midfield.
Mount almost made an immediate impact against Forest, sending a shot just wide, and Amorim says he is fit enough to start, meaning I would like to see him from the off. Zirkzee has played well when deployed as a No.10 in recent weeks, meaning he ought to start ahead of Garnacho, not least because his ball retention in that area of the pitch could be key.
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