Manchester United will be squaring off against the”noisy neighbors” in a huge Premier League clash this weekend. Currently sitting 6th in the League and 4 points behind Manchester City, this may be United’s last hope of claiming 3 points and making that final push for a top 4 finish.
Having just played against Liverpool, Louis van Gaal will certainly have some decisions to make when it comes to the team selection. With that said and considering the importance of the match, the Dutchman will likely select his strongest lineup possible.
Here is the strongest possible lineup for Manchester United in the final Manchester Derby –
Goalkeeper
David de Gea continues to be the rock in goal for the Red Devils and he’ll be going against Manchester City keeper, Joe Hart on the day. Since de Gea had signed with United back in 2011, both keepers have been regular fixtures in this derby with the England keeper coming out on top in the head-to-head battles.
Defence
Guillermo Varela, the youngster who continues to impress and Daley Blind will be the full backs on the day. Varela joins Luke Shaw and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as the other full backs that the United supporters hope will be bombing down the Old Trafford wide areas for years to come.
Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo should be the center backs on this occasion with both of them offering a physical presence in front of goal. Smalling, a veteran of many Manchester Derby’s will be counted upon to usher the defence that will countering an impressive City attack.
Midfield
We may see the passing of the torch in the midfield this weekend NOT see Michael Carrick start in the Manchester Derby. Along with Wayne Rooney, the Englishman has been around long enough to see his fair share of clashes between the two, but when healthy Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin offer much more than Carrick does at this point.
Passionate footballer, Ander Herrera, will be the spark that United will need in the attacking midfield role and he’ll be joined by Juan Mata, who offers loads of big-game experience and Jesse Lingard. Herrera’s fight cannot be questioned but he’ll want to control his actions so that the Spaniard does not cost his team by getting sent off.
Attack
Marcus Rashford has been a great player but van Gaal may want a bit more experience in the tip of his attack on this occasion and that’s why Anthony Martial should feature. The big stage of the Derby may be too much for young Rashford, however, inexperienced Englishman will hopefully have many clashes with City in the future.
