Midfield
Marouane Fellaini – A new arrival to the Manchester derby, Marouane Fellaini instantly looks like commanding a place among the best players of both teams. The powerful Belgian had a great season for Everton last year, which actually included a goal against City at the Etihad, and he is already an important player for his new club after David Moyes worked all summer to take him with him from Goodison Park to Old Trafford.
Yaya Toure – In what actually looks like a dream midfield partnership, Fellaini is joined by Yaya Toure in the middle of the park. The Ivorian has started the season in superb form as he continues to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The 30-year-old has three goals in five games, all of them things of beauty from long range. Toure is the very definition of a match-winner, and would be one of the first names on the team sheet for both City and this combined Manchester XI.
Jesus Navas – Another Manchester Derby debutant, Jesus Navas looks the best option on the right-wing slot, with some inconsistent form from the likes of United pair Nani and Antonio Valencia of late, though both are also fine wingers on their day. Navas was noted for not scoring a single goal last season, but his trickery and pace on the flanks made him a dangerous player for City who is more than capable of providing great ammunition for their front-line.
David Silva – In a City-dominated midfield, David Silva takes up a slot on the left. The Spaniard has looked a little jaded for the last few months and failed to reach his best form, but on his day there are few better players in the world at what he does. Silva has great technique and vision, making him a highly influential playmaker for club and country, and although he is not strictly a player who would stay wide on the left, he is unquestionably a better option than United’s Ashley Young or his City team-mate Samir Nasri.