With the Manchester Derby coming up this Sunday, here’s a combined XI of the two sides based on players’ form this season, with a surprisingly one-sided battle seeing the Red Devils come out on top – some feat considering they finished 7th last season while much of this City squad made up their title-winning squad…
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Here’s our best effort using the 4-1-4-1 that has served Louis van Gaal’s side so well in recent games…
GK: David de Gea (Manchester United)
Although Joe Hart has had a fine season, David de Gea is undoubtedly the star goalkeeper in the Premier League this season and takes the place in goal here.
DR: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
One of few City players to emerge with credit this season, Pablo Zabaleta remains a hugely important player for the club at right-back.
DL: Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Shame on Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov if Ashley Young is now ahead of them at left-back! A surprisingly strong season from the United man in a new position.
DC: Phil Jones (Manchester United)
A player enjoying a real improvement in form, Phil Jones is certainly looking better than any of City’s centre-back options at the moment.
DC: Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
A strong summer signing, Marcos Rojo has far outshone the more expensive Eliaquim Mangala at the Etihad Stadium.
DM: Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Still a top performer and key player for this United side, Michael Carrick has been excellent in the holding midfield role recently.
MC: Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
A player bang in form, Ander Herrera has performed excellently since being made more of a regular for van Gaal’s side.
MC: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Scorer of a fine goal in the defeat to Crystal Palace, Yaya Toure still looks one of few truly oustanding players in this City team.
MR: Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Another United star enjoying an improvement in form recently, Juan Mata gets into one of the midfield roles ahead of team-mate Angel Di Maria, the club’s record signing.
ML: David Silva (Manchester City)
Still a player on top of his game, David Silva has had a great season in front of goal and remains one of the league’s best playmakers.
FC: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
He has struggled of late, but Sergio Aguero still has 17 goals this season despite numorous injury problems, showing his world class finishing ability.
