Manchester United XI v Man City: Predicted Lineup and Confirmed Team News | OneFootball

Manchester United XI v Man City: Predicted Lineup and Team News for Old Trafford Derby

It’s a fixture that never shrinks from the spotlight. The Manchester derby, a tale of two cities within one, returns to Old Trafford this Sunday — and Ruben Amorim’s first experience of it promises to be a baptism defined as much by medical charts as tactics. As Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City, injuries, doubts, and tactical tweaks all influence the shape of what could be a pivotal selection.

Doubts at the Back Force Tactical Reconsideration

Matthijs de Ligt has quietly become one of United’s most dependable figures over the last month, knitting together a fractured defence with assuredness and leadership. But that rhythm may be interrupted. The Dutchman, forced off with a knock in the midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest, is a doubt.

“I think Matta [de Ligt] has an issue,” Amorim told reporters. “He has something during the game [at Forest] and we have to assess.”

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Should De Ligt miss out, Harry Maguire is the likely replacement. The England international returned from injury against Forest and, while used in a forward role late on, will be expected to step into central defence if required.

Elsewhere in the back line, Amorim may persist with Diogo Dalot and bring in teenage full-back Patrick Dorgu on the left. Noa Lang and Altay Bayındır are not expected to feature, while Lisandro Martinez has been definitively ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Midfield Decisions Ahead of City’s Visit

There is cautious optimism surrounding the return of Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder has resumed training after a two-month absence, although his involvement will be limited.

“I think Kobbie is returning to training, so we’ll see and assess for this game already. Of course, he cannot play a full game, he’s a long time without training,” Amorim added.

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Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are likely to anchor the midfield, providing steel and structure. In more advanced positions, Bruno Fernandes remains a fixture, with Alejandro Garnacho expected to continue his run of starts. Mason Mount may be available but is unlikely to feature heavily, with his minutes still being carefully managed.

Forward Line Hinges on Form

Joshua Zirkzee struggled against Forest, and with Rasmus Hojlund ending a dry spell before the international break, the Danish forward may reclaim the central striking role. United’s lack of cutting edge at the City Ground was stark, and in matches of this magnitude, ruthlessness is non-negotiable.

The challenge is significant: City remain relentless in possession and punishing in transition. United’s XI will need to be as robust mentally as it is physically.

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Predicted Manchester United XI

Predicted Lineup: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Injured: Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Jonny EvansDoubts: Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo

Match Details:

The derby rarely requires additional stakes. Pride, points, and positioning are always on the line. For Amorim, this match will be less about grandeur and more about pragmatism — navigating the personnel puzzle while attempting to stall the Premier League’s most coherent side. Old Trafford will rise for it. Whether United do the same remains to be seen.