Combined Man Utd and Man City XI includes just 2 Red Devils stars ahead of derby
The combined XI of Manchester United and Manchester City contains just two Red Devils stars ahead of this weekend's crunch clash.
Erik ten Hag takes his revamped Red Devils to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon (October 2nd) aiming to extend their four-match winning streak in the Premier League, which has seen them rise to fifth in the table.
After taking Arsenal's unbeaten scalp from the head of Mikel Arteta, Man Utd face another outfit yet-to-taste defeat in the top-flight this campaign. Pep Guardiola's side sit second behind the Gunners in the standings, possessing a host of world-class talent that has seen the champions take four of the last five Premier League crowns.
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Also doing the double over United last season, there's a reason why Man City boss the combined XI between the two sides…
Defence
Whilst Ederson is undoubtedly protected by a far superior backline, the Brazilian shot-stopper boasted a better save percentage than David de Gea over the course of the 2021/22 campaign. Also claiming more high balls to ease the pressure on his defence, Ederson is the first name on our combined team-sheet – there's also no way a goalkeeper that shipped 57 goals last season can start ahead of one who conceded just 26.
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Coming next to the full-backs, Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are the clear choices to slot in either side of the two central defenders. Walker commits just 0.2 fouls per game due to his lightning pace and positional proficiency whilst also holding the greatest pass completion percentage with 91.1. Whilst Cancelo recorded seven assists for City last season.
Manchester United do have one representative in defence though. The induction of summer signing Lisandro Martinez into their defence has spearheaded a resurgence in form at Old Trafford and, on average, completes more interceptions, blocks and clearances than Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake or Manuel Akanji per game. Though City vice-captain Dias is still rightfully deployed alongside him in defence.
Midfield
The best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, Rodri's insane pass completion percentage of 92.4 instantly places him at the anchor of our midfield to dictate play and keep ahold of possession. Kevin De Bruyne is obviously the next player as a two-time Premier League playmaker of the Year winner – already boasting SIX assists in the top-flight this season.
Seemingly back to his best under Erik ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes just pips Ilkay Gundogan into the final midfield spot due to his slightly superior defensive statistics – otherwise, it would have been a whitewash.
Forwards
The Premier League's highest scorers for the past five campaigns, and currently on track to make it six, simply have to claim all three positions at the top end of the pitch. Erling Haaland has been a revelation since making the £51million move from Borussia Dortmund with 11 goals in his opening seven top-flight matches, averaging 1.72 goals every 90 minutes.
Phil Foden, with two goals and two assists, and Bernardo Silva, with two goals and three assists, round off our combined XI. Marcus Rashford was the closest United player to make it into the attack, but he was still quite a way behind the formidable City front-three.
Our combined Man Utd and Man City XI:
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