Erik ten Hag got his first taste of the Manchester derby back in October when his side fell to a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side were 6-1 up at one point during the game, with United pulling two goals back after City had taken off a number of their top stars.
However, Manchester United have since improved as a side and are now sitting 3rd in the league and just three points off the Citizens, meaning Saturday’s tie should be a much closer affair.
Manchester United vs Manchester City combined XI
GK: Ederson – David de Gea has always been a solid, traditional goalkeeper, but Ederson is miles ahead of the Spaniard when it comes to playing out from the back. The Brazilian is also a good shot-stopper so there is no real debate here.
RB: Kyle Walker – Diogo Dalot has been in superb form for Manchester United this season and has arguably been better than Kyle Walker in 2022/23. However, as we are only using fit players, Dalot misses out as he is a doubt for Saturday.
CB: Aymeric Laporte – When fit, Aymeric Laporte is one of the best defenders in the division. The Frenchman is a strong, powerful presence who is great with the ball at his feet.
LB: Joao Cancelo – Like Dalot, Luke Shaw has experienced something of a resurgence under Erik ten Hag and has even shone at centre-back. But Cancelo remains a high-quality full-back whose attacking contributions are crucial to Manchester City’s success.
CDM: Rodri – Rodri is perhaps one of the more underappreciated midfielders in the PL. The Spaniard does his job very well with little fuss, linking playing and breaking up attacks with ease.
CDM: Casemiro – Much of the debate between United and City’s fans this season has centred around who is better, Casemiro or Rodri. And whilst both have their strengths, it was too hard to pick just one player for this XI, so they have both made the cut.
RM: Phil Foden – Phil Foden is one of the brightest talents in English football at present. The 23-year-old’s ability to drive at defenders and also pick a pass is superb.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne – Whilst Bruno Fernandes has, at times, shone for Manchester United since his switch from Sporting, De Bruyne has consistently been one of the best, if not the best, playmaker in the world over the last six or so years.
LM: Marcus Rashford – Rashford is one of a number of players to have benefited from Ten Hag’s arrival in Manchester. The Englishman had a rough couple of campaigns but he is now firmly back to his best, netting seven and assisting three in 17 league outings.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland has scored 21 and assisted three in 16 Premier League ties this season. There is no competition for the Norweigan in either side.
