Ruben Amorim has enjoyed the perfect preparation as he gets set to experience a Manchester derby for the very first time.
The Portuguese tactician takes his Manchester United side to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon hoping to build on their comeback win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
Following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, the Red Devils go into this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting 13th in the table but can close the gap on their rivals to just five points with a victory.
It could be the ideal time to face Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side have won just once in their last 10 games across all competitions following a 2-0 loss at the hands of Juventus in midweek.
It won’t be lost on United supporters that Amorim holds a 4-1 victory over the City boss this season - from his time at Sporting CP - and he reported no fresh injury concerns after the win in the Czech Republic as he seeks to complete a unique double.
In fact, with Jonny Evans returning to training earlier in the week, it could be that Luke Shaw is the only definite derby absentee for United. The left-back suffered a small setback before the Arsenal game and it remains to be seen when he will be available for selection again.
That means Diogo Dalot could continue at left wing-back, with Amad Diallo reverting to the right wing-back role despite catching the eye operating further forward during the win over Plzen.
Impressive form: Amad Diallo will be eyeing a start in Sunday’s Manchester derby
Manchester United via Getty Images
Lenny Yoro is in line to make his Manchester derby bow after being rested on Thursday and there could be recalls to the starting lineup for Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho.
Rasmus Hojlund has done his chances of leading the line ahead of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee no harm at all after climbing off the bench to score twice and complete the turnaround against Plzen.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Doubt: Evans
Injured: Shaw
Time and date: 4:30pm GMT on Sunday December 15, 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV channel: Sky Sports