Erik ten Hag has announced Manchester United’s line-up for the city derby against City. Unlike the last official game, two and a half weeks ago in the Europa League against Sheriff Tiraspol, the Dutchman has made one change to his team. Cristiano Ronaldo is sitting on the bench. Marcus Rashford plays for him. Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez have the clean job of stopping Erling Braut Haaland. The duel at the Etihad Stadium starts at 3 p.m. and is led by Michael Oliver.
For Ten Hag, the derby ends a period of more than two weeks without a game. Due to the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Red Devils several matches are cancelled. In the league games United did play in September, the team made a strong impression. So much so that Ten Hag was awarded the Manager of the Month award. He became the third Dutchman in history after Martin Jol and Ronald Koeman.
Against City, Ten Hag again opts for a central duo with Varane and Martínez, which means that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf start on the bench. Tyrell Malacia still gains confidence on the left, while Diogo Dalot has to cover the right. In midfield, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay must ensure control and Bruno Fernandes is the most advanced man. Ronaldo has lost his starting spot. He starts on the bench and sees his spot in the point of attack taken by Rashford. The Englishman is flanked by Jadon Sancho and Antony.
Josep Guardiola, who has made a base for Nathan Ake, spoke nicely about Ten Hag in the run-up to the Manchester derby. “I have a lot of admiration for Erik,” said the Spaniard. “He has done an incredible job in the Netherlands. Ajax has been an example in Europe in recent years and United now give him the confidence. He knows, and I know, that it’s all about the results. I’m still here because of the results from the past. If you win at a big club you get time, if you don’t win you’re in trouble. But if United chose Erik, it’s because they have faith in him.”
Manchester City line-up: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Manchester United line-up: DeGea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho