Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces key selection decisions ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated derby against Manchester City, with a predicted starting XI for the Old Trafford clash emerging.
United approach the high-profile fixture seeking to build on their recent 4-0 demolition of Azerbaijani side Sabah FK in the Champions League, following a mixed start to the new Premier League season.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI
According to the London Evening Standard, Manchester United’s predicted lineup for the derby is a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
- Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans
- Attacking Midfielders: Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu
- Striker: Benjamin Sesko
Key Selection Decisions for Carrick
The final third presents Carrick’s biggest challenge. Benjamin Sesko, who has recovered from a lingering shin injury that curtailed his 2025/26 campaign, has impressed with a late header against Everton and a goal in his first start since May against Sabah FK. He may retain his place as a much-needed focal point up front.
Influential captain Bruno Fernandes is guaranteed to start as the No10, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to attack from the right flank. The left flank sees a battle for a starting spot, with Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford in contention if Sesko starts. However, Patrick Dorgu could move forward into this position after his defensive contributions at left-back against Sabah, especially if United need to counter City’s rampant attack. This would depend on Luke Shaw proving his fitness after missing the Champions League fixture.
In defence, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire are both expected to return to the United ranks, joining Lisandro Martinez in central defence, with Senne Lammens in goal. The midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans is also expected to remain, with both having managed their minutes in the recent European outing.
Manchester United’s recent form includes a shock defeat by newly-promoted Hull on opening day, a 5-2 thrashing of Ipswich, and a lively 2-2 draw at Everton where they conceded a last-gasp equaliser, as reported by the London Evening Standard.
Manchester United Injury Updates
Several key players remain sidelined for United. The game is likely to come too soon for £70million summer signing Carlos Baleba, who is still awaiting his United debut after suffering an ankle ligament injury during pre-season. Amad Diallo also remains out with his own ankle issue.
Matthijs de Ligt continues to build fitness following a long-term back injury requiring surgery, having been out since last November. Manuel Ugarte is a long-term absentee due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the World Cup, and third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton is nursing a hamstring problem.
Sources