After being forced to play Michael Carrick at centre back due to a back injury suffered by Rio Ferdinand, David Moyes faces a last minute decision as to who he uses to accompany Phil Jones against their city rivals.
Johnny Evans is the nearest to being fit and he will undergo a late fitness test prior to the game. Vidic is suspended and Smalling is still out, although he was still out at 3am two nights ago when he was witnessed singing Man Utd songs outside a nightclub, looking slightly worse for wear.
Fletcher has to start, he hasn’t been used anywhere near enough since his return but every time he has featured, he’s answered all the questions he has been posed. With Kagawa, Rooney and Mata, United looked potent going forward in comparison to recent months and it would seem like they are the obvious choice for United going forward.
Welbeck could get the nod ahead of Ashley Young and Valencia, Welbeck’s work rate and tireless running will be exactly what United need as they try to stem the creativity that comes from David Villa.
David Moyes needs to work out how to stop Yaya Toure. He has been at the centre of everything Manchester City have done this season and has sometimes single handedly carried his side through some tough moments. City will be hoping that he continues his fine form into this crucial midweek game, while with Fletcher snapping around his heels, Moyes will hope he can do enough to keep him quiet.
