The first Manchester Derby is just around the corner and there is extra emphasis on this particular derby, as it marks the revival of the Guardiola-Mourinho rivalry. The encounters between Real Madrid and Barcelona were intense when the two faced off in Spain.
Neutrals will be hoping for a similar experience in England. Both sides have strengthened considerably over the summer after coming off disappointing seasons. There were a lot of questions of how quickly the City players would adapt to Guardiola’s high press system.
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But their recent performance against West Ham United was very encouraging. The team seemed to have started to play the Guardiola way and the coach himself praised the efforts of the team.
United look like a well-oiled machine under Mourinho so far. The coach ahs vast experience in this league and that could prove to be the difference between the two sides.
There will be many big star names on display on Saturday but which would be the best combined XI?
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
David De Gea is arguably the best keeper in the world right now. He has been voted as Manchester United’s best player for two seasons in a row. That tells you the story of how important he has been to the club.
Claudio Bravo is a respectable keeper in his own right but when it comes to shot stopping there is not doubt as to who is better. Given that it is one of the most crucial roles a keeper performs De Gea will get the nod ahead of Bravo.
Defence
Antonio Valencia – RB
Antonio Valencia has had a great start to the season. He has already picked up a man of the match award, and despite traditionally being a right winger, he has learned the defensive aspect of the game through experience.
Valencia has been United’s best attacking threat from the wings in their first three matches. He probably edges Sagna and Zabaleta on form this season.
Daley Blind – CB
It cannot be emphasized enough how important Daley Blind is to the Manchester United team. He did not start out as a central defender, but it’s safe to say the role suits him perfectly. Blind is the perfect Ball-playing defender.
Mourinho has preferred the Dutchman over Chris Smalling because of his composure and positioning. He is also the perfect mentor to Eric Bailly who is still learning the ropes in this league.
Eric Bailly – CB
Bailly has been the perfect foil for Blind in that Central defense. City’s back four have in no way looked comfortable this season but United’s defense have been rock solid. Jose Mourinho is known for his tactical prowess and lays a lot emphasis on defense.
Bailly was one of the best central defenders in Spain last season and he seems to be proving his worth in the Premier league as well.
Luke Shaw – LB
Luke Shaw has come a long way since his horrific leg break which forced him to sit out the entirety of last season. There was caution over his return this campaign, with doubts over how well his comeback would be.
But so far, it feels like the old Luke Shaw never left. He is back to his rampaging best which will delight Mourinho
Midfield
Marouane Fellaini – CM
Ever since Fellaini joined United people have been expecting the Belgian to be sold. When Mourinho came in, everyone felt it would finally happen but he’s still here and for good reason.
Fellaini has become the midfield destroyer for United and adds crucial balance to the side. Without that balance, United’s defensive stability will be inexistent.
Fernandinho - CM
Before you stop reading this article because Paul Pogba is not in hear me out! Fernandinho has been very important to what City do on the pitch and their playing style. Just like Fellaini, he is irreplaceable for Guardiola at the moment.
Paul Pogba is United’s best midfielder in terms of caliber, but in the two games, he’s played so far he’s been brilliant in one and ordinary in the other. Based on current form he probably just falls short of the other two mentioned in central midfield.
Raheem Sterling – LW
Raheem Sterling has been quite the surprise package this season. He was bought for a very hefty fee from Liverpool last summer transfer window but suffered from poor form which continued through the Euros.
But he’s started with a bang this season and Pep Guardiola has instilled some much-needed confidence in the youngster. He was also England’s best player against Slovakia in that lackluster performance.
Kevin De Bruyne – RW
De Bruyne was probably City’s second best player last season after one Sergio Aguero. He was only a substitute for the first game but has been his brilliant self in the last two matches.
With already 2 assists to his name, it won’t be easy to contain him, especially from set pieces.
David Silva – Attacking Midfield
Now in Guardiola’s system for Manchester City, Silva plays alongside Fernandinho but has the freedom to go forward, with the full backs also coming inside to add extra cover through the middle.
But there is no doubt on his day there isn’t a more talented playmaker than Silva and he has been in very good form of late.
Forward – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Even if Aguero was eligible to play in this game, it would be so hard to pick between the two. Luckily I don’t have to. There were a lot of critics who said the Swede would not be able to perform at his peak in the Premier League, but boy has he proven them wrong.
He has three goals in three games, and despite not scoring against Hull City, he will give the City defense the run around if not dealt with in the right way. It might be between him and Aguero for the Premier League golden boot this season, but Zlatan can get a lead over his rival in the next three matches.
Formation
The back 5 is basically United’s defensive line, with City’s backline still showing cracks. The midfield is dominated by Manchester City players. The omission of Paul Pogba was a difficult one to make but the players in this midfield are ahead of him based on form.
With Aguero banned for 3 games, there wasn't much chance Iheanacho was going to make it as the main forward. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made an instant impact at United. Will he do it again for them on Saturday?
