Ruben Amorim has stated that Matthijs de Ligt is a major doubt for today’s Manchester derby after picking up a knock in Tuesday’s match against Nottingham Forest.
With Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui acquitting themselves pretty well in that game, especially when they reversed sides in the second half, it seems likely that they will keep their places, with Harry Maguire coming in as a direct replacement for the Dutchman if he fails to make it.
Diogo Dalot and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu will almost certainly start as the right and left wing backs, respectively.
The big question is what position Bruno Fernandes will play and that in turn will probably determine who else is in the starting XI.
Amorim seems to prefer Fernandes as a number eight. Casemiro partnered Manu Ugarte against Forest and whilst the team played well despite losing, Ugarte did not adapt well to the slightly more advanced position and we believe Fernandes will replace the Brazilian in midfield this time around.
Rasmus Hojlund could be recalled to the starting lineup, but it could be time that Mason Mount starts his first game since he picked up a hamstring injury against the same opposition in December.
On that occasion he started as the left-sided 10 behind Hojlund, with Amad on the right.
If Amorim picked Mount to do a job in that role against City in December, it’s likely he will do so again. Josh Zirkzee could be the front man this time, though, with Alejandro Garnacho performing the right 10 role.
The boss has also confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo is back in training and could make the bench, but will not be in contention for a start.
The bench could therefore comprise Altay Bayindir, Harry Amass, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Toby Collyer, Mainoo, Hojlund and Chido Obi.
Luke Shaw also has an outside chance of making the bench, having been back in training for a couple of weeks.
Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Amad are the only players definitely ruled out.
Kick off at Old Trafford is at 4.30pm BST.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
