Hojlund earns his spot as ‘undroppable’ ace starts: Predicted Man United lineup for Sunday’s Manchester derby

In partnership with

Stretty News

·14 December 2024

Hojlund earns his spot as ‘undroppable’ ace starts: Predicted Man United lineup for Sunday’s Manchester derby

Our predicted Manchester United line-up for Sunday’s much-anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad.

The cross-city rivals lock horns for the first time this season, which also marks Ruben Amorim’s first taste of the fiery rivalry since he succeeded Erik ten Hag.

OneFootball Videos

Amorim has already come up against Pep Guardiola on one occasion this term, though, and boy, did he get the better of him. In his final home game as Sporting Lisbon boss, Amorim watched on from the dugout as his side hammered Manchester City 4-1 in a Champions League clash back in November.

The Old Trafford faithful will be pinning their hopes on the Portuguese tactician being able to recreate such a spectacle. However, it’s safe to say that it’s been a different ball game since he made the move to England.

United’s team news for derby day

(Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

In terms of the options Amorim is likely to have at his disposal, he enters the contest with almost a fully fit squad, with the only remaining absentee being Luke Shaw – how often has that been the case?

He confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the likes of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Toby Collyer had all fully resumed training, bolstering his choices for such a high-stakes fixture.

Predicted Man United lineup vs City

Onana;

Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez;

Leny Yoro should perhaps return to the fold, but throwing the 19-year-old into such an atmospheric game after only two appearances may prove costly if City are at their best.

Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Malacia;

Diogo Dalot occupying the wing-back role means Amad Diallo is able to operate in a more advanced position while also allowing the Portugal star to play in his natural space on the right-hand side and Tyrell Malacia in his on the left.

Amad, Fernandes;

Amad was previously hailed as United’s only ‘undroppable’ star by Owen Hargreaves, which is a sentiment the majority of fans would agree with. Bruno Fernandes is a mainstay regardless of who’s in charge – that won’t ever change.

Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund has now scored five goals in five appearances under Amorim, including braces against Bodø/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen, the latter of which he managed in only 34 minutes, as well as a goal against Nottingham Forest last week.

His clinical efforts to complete Thursday’s turnaround in Czechia have likely earned his starting spot for Sunday.