Dalot, Shaw and Maguire return: Manchester United's predicted XI vs Manchester City

Manchester United take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday at 16:30 local time at Old Trafford, and Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are all expected to return to the starting line-up as the Red Devils look to inflict City's first defeat of the season.

  • Fixture: Manchester United vs Manchester City, Premier League matchday four
  • Kick-off: Sunday, 16:30 local time
  • Venue: Old Trafford
  • Headline returns: Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire all expected to start
  • Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens expected to retain his place
  • At stake: United aim to extend their winning run; City seek to avoid a first defeat of the season

Predicted line-ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans; Bruno Fernandes; Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha

Substitutes: Not stated in source.

Selection notes

Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are expected to return after being rested for the Champions League win over Sabah, replacing Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu in the back four respectively. Harry Maguire is the favourite to partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence, with Leny Yoro dropping to the bench.

Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are set to continue in the double pivot, with Carlos Baleba still injured. Bruno Fernandes is expected to start as the attacking midfielder. Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored in his last two Premier League games, is expected on the right wing, while Matheus Cunha could be used on the left flank. Benjamin Sesko leads the line after scoring twice in his last two appearances.

Why Arteta is turning to experience for the Manchester derby

The return of Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at full-back is a clear statement of intent from Mikel Arteta. Both were rested for the midweek Champions League victory, a sign that the manager views their freshness as vital for a derby that will demand relentless running in wide areas. Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu are the men expected to make way.

In central defence, the choice of Harry Maguire ahead of Leny Yoro is a deliberate trade of legs for nous. Maguire has the physicality and aerial presence to contend with Manchester City's attacking threats, although the pace of Yoro offers a different profile. Arteta appears to want the calm experience of Maguire alongside Lisandro Martinez, the kind of partnership that can absorb pressure and build from the back.

The midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans remains unchanged, with Carlos Baleba still sidelined. Above them, Bruno Fernandes will look to exploit space between the lines, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha providing width and directness on the flanks. Benjamin Sesko leads the line on the back of two goals in two games.

Talking points

  • Does Harry Maguire's experience outweigh Leny Yoro's pace against Manchester City's forward line?
  • Is resting Dalot and Shaw in the Champions League a masterstroke or a risk given their importance in wide areas?
  • Should Bruno Fernandes play deeper to accommodate another attacker, or is he best as the advanced midfielder?
  • Can Benjamin Sesko maintain his scoring run against a City defence that has yet to lose this season?

What happens next

Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday at 16:30 local time. A win would extend United's impressive attacking form — 11 goals in their last three matches in all competitions — and hand City their first defeat of the campaign. Arteta's selection will be confirmed approximately one hour before kick-off.

Frequently asked questions

Is Diogo Dalot starting for Manchester United vs Manchester City?

Yes, Diogo Dalot is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in the Champions League, replacing Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.

Who is expected to start in central defence for United?

Harry Maguire is the favourite to partner Lisandro Martinez, with Leny Yoro expected to drop to the bench.

What time is kick-off for Manchester United vs Manchester City?

Kick-off is at 16:30 local time on Sunday at Old Trafford.

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