An opposition preview: Manchester United’s attack eyes Manchester City’s high defensive line as Michael Carrick prepares to punish Enzo Maresca’s vulnerabilities in transition during a high-stakes Old Trafford derby.
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Manchester United's Champions League campaign began in emphatic fashion on Thursday night, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško, and Lisandro Martínez all finding the net in a dominant 4-0 victory over Sabah FK at Old Trafford.
United had to settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw against Everton last weekend, but have now found the net nine times across their last two home games. Their next challenge comes in the form of local rivals Manchester City in what will be their first major test of the season.
Michael Carrick's side have taken four points from their opening three Premier League games, while City have enjoyed a perfect start, winning all three matches to move to the top of the table and set an early pace.
With Pep Guardiola no longer leading City into the derby at Old Trafford, new boss Enzo Maresca will experience his first taste of the fixture and face a huge challenge in the home atmosphere. Carrick, meanwhile, will be hoping United can return to winning ways in the league and build on Thursday night's impressive performance.
Opposition view: What are City's weaknesses that Carrick can exploit?
Written by our begrudging friends at CityXtra:
Despite Pep Guardiola's exit, there remain huge similarities between the Catalan's principles and Enzo Maresca's tactical operation.
That being said, the biggest alterations include more support and passing options for Gianluigi Donnarumma, a slightly higher defensive line, a more fluid central midfield, and wide attackers who stay high and wide and look for one-versus-one scenarios against their opposing full-backs.
It is City's press that has caused concern in some quarters after the midweek win over FC Porto, and one belief is that simply better opposition could really exploit Maresca's side in transition—as the Portuguese champions did on various occasions but failed to capitalise in front of goal.
If United can find that space in transition and utilise their own speed in attack, then they could quite easily cause City some problems. However, that's going to have to be paired with a resolute defensive line to shut out the ever-prolific Erling Haaland, who appears to be a bigger threat than ever, particularly in the air.
You've also got Elliot Anderson's remarkable start to contend with, who is offering much-needed legs throughout midfield and appears to be a like-for-like for Bernardo Silva when it comes to his tenacious regaining of possession in particular.
Fresh off a dominant European win, Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma at Old Trafford as injury concerns and fatigue shadow his lineup choices for the derby.roundtable.ioRashford & Šeško Start: Man Utd Predicted XI vs Man City (Premier League)
Fresh off a dominant European win, Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma at Old Trafford as injury concerns and fatigue shadow his lineup choices for the derby.
Opposition view: What is City's likely starting XI?
It remains somewhat unclear what Enzo Maresca's best line-up is at Manchester City, and the Italian himself admitted he doesn't know that 'best XI' during a recent press conference.
That being said, there are some certainties across the squad, and recent performances and selections highlight a very likely line-up for this weekend's Old Trafford meeting.
Most likely Manchester City XI vs Manchester United: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Fernandez, Foden; Semenyo, Haaland, Ndiaye.