The Manchester derby has sparked genuine interest among football fans across the globe in recent years, primarily due to City’s upward trajectory under new ownership. With two league titles in the last five years and four league finishes above their cross-town rivals United in that duration, the balance of power from a footballing perspective in Manchester has undergone a major shift. Yet when the two financial juggernauts walk out at Old Trafford tomorrow, the atmosphere and intensity of their battle will reverberate around the world like never before.
With squads valued at a combined total of over 600 million pounds and two old nemeses dating back to their Spanish excursions pitted against each other, Manchester will be the nucleus of English royalty and muscle power this year. Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola endured a bitter rivalry as managers of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively and given the strong start they have made to the domestic campaign with their new clubs, sparks are expected, albeit ones wrapped with fury. Something will give way in the biggest town clash of all time and the entire football spectrum will have its eyes transfixed on Old Trafford to view the slugfest in all its glory.
Much has been said of the transfer business done by both sides. With the Premier League accounting for a total of over 1 billion pounds spent in the summer, United and City contributed to over 30% of that amount. World-record signing Paul Pogba re-joined United in a staggering 89-million-pound deal from Juventus while City had their scouts all across Europe to rope in players required by Guardiola to sow the seeds of his philosophy in unfamiliar territory. The Spaniard does boast a superior head-to-head record though, trumping his Portuguese counterpart by seven wins to three in sixteen encounters. That may yet be rendered irrelevant in the scheme of things, given this is Guardiola’s first assignment in England while Mourinho has spent five years in the country over two spells with Chelsea, winning three league titles.
All that said and done, here is the combined starting line-up of the two sides, keeping in mind all suspensions and injuries for both parties:
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (United)
Even with City’s capture of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, it is hard to displace de Gea, given the pedigree he has established for himself at Old Trafford. United’s three-time player of the season has been indispensable in every regard for his club and has been unanimously voted the best keeper in the Premier League. De Gea has had precious little to do for his side so far this season although City will arguably prove a stern test, despite the absence of Sergio Aguero following his retrospective three-match ban for violent conduct against Winston Reid in his side’s 3-1 defeat of West Ham United before the international break.
Right-back: Bacary Sagna (City)
While Antonio Valencia has impressed the United faithful with a string of robust performances for his side, there remain doubts regarding his defensive instincts and that may yet prove detrimental. Elsewhere, Sagna has adapted to life under Guardiola quickly and appears to have relished the challenge of playing a more unorthodox role as a full-back. The Frenchman will hope to nullify the threat of fellow countryman Anthony Martial on his flank, should the latter feature for United at any stage of the game.
Centre-halves: Eric Bailly (United) and John Stones (City)
While the emphasis will be on attack this Saturday, Bailly and Stones will seek to marshal their respective backlines following a formidable start to life in Manchester. The former has settled in instantly and has been compared to United legend Rio Ferdinand for his pace, power and ball playing skills. On the other hand, Stones has looked comfortable at the back for City, although the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimović upfront will provide a daunting challenge to the Englishman.
Left-back: Luke Shaw (United)
Having missed out the entirety of last season post-September following a horrific leg-break, Luke Shaw has returned to action for United looking stronger than ever. The 21-year-old was left out of Sam Allardyce’s England squad for their trip to Slovakia during the international break as a precautionary measure, thereby giving him ample time to prepare for the derby.
Central midfield: Paul Pogba (United) and Fernandinho (City)
The world’s most expensive footballer has made a decent impression on his return to Manchester and will be up against Brazilian Fernandinho in the middle of the park. Pogba has been characterized by strong, industrious runs in midfield and possesses plenty of strength to hold off any incoming challenges. Fernandinho has improved leaps and bounds since his move to City from Shakhtar Donetsk and is capable of scoring from distance and from a set-piece, thereby rendering him a dangerous opponent.
Right-Wing: Raheem Sterling (City)
Following a multi-million pound move to City from Liverpool, Sterling was burdened by the weight of expectation and endured a disappointing debut campaign for the club under Manuel Pellegrini. The arrival of Guardiola appears to have rejuvenated the Englishman though. A brace against West Ham United coupled with impressive outings against Sunderland and Stoke City have reinstated the winger’s confidence following a dismal show at the Euros in France. He is expected to give his England teammate Luke Shaw plenty to think about tonight.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (City)
City’s most expensive acquisition has yet to hit his stride this season but one can expect him to be at his creative best in the derby. De Bruyne has been renowned for his ability to turn a game on its head and will be even more important for his side this Saturday, given Aguero’s suspension.
Left-Wing: Anthony Martial (United)
Martial has not made the best of starts to his campaign but remains a key player for Mourinho and United. The Frenchman ended his goalless drought, albeit with the national team in a friendly against Italy and will hope to build on that come Saturday. Martial is capable of causing a serious damage and will view this fixture as the perfect platform for him to win over the United faithful again.
Centre-Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimović (United)
On another day, Sergio Aguero would have been the obvious pick. Given the Argentinian’s three-match ban starting this weekend, though, Ibrahimović slots in as the focal point of the team. The Swedish talisman has enjoyed a stellar start to life in England with four goals in his first four appearances for United and will renew his long-standing rivalry with former Barcelona boss Guardiola. His presence in the dugout alone will motivate the striker and that may prove to be fatal for City’s rearguard.
