Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag expected to drop two players for blockbus…

Man Utd and ten Hag face manic 42-day period

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Manchester United are currently preparing for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League showdown with Manchester City. Erik ten Hag’s side have been resurgent in recent times, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. Express Sport will now take a look at how the Red Devils should line up, with Scott McTominay and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making way for Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

Goalkeeper: De Gea

United are currently weighing up whether to extend the contract of club legend David De Gea, who has been at the club ever since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Yet while there’s uncertainty over his long-term future, he’s still a vital player for Ten Hag.

De Gea is set to start for United between the sticks against City as he gears up for yet another derby appearance.

Martin Dubravka is yet to play since joining, while Tom Heaton isn’t considered a viable No 1 despite De Gea’s issues with playing out from the back.

Therefore, the Spaniard is primed to be deployed from the start in Sunday’s showdown.

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Defence: Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Malacia

As the old saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

So we’re expecting Ten Hag to stick with the same back four that has been so impressive in recent weeks.

That means Diogo Dalot keeping his place in the team, with the Portugal international recently scoring twice as his nation beat Czech Republic 4-0 last week.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane should then start at centre-back.

And, at left-back, Tyrell Malacia is primed to be picked with the Netherlands international currently above Luke Shaw in Ten Hag’s pecking order.

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Midfield: Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes

Though McTominay has been impressive for United this season, it could be time for Casemiro to be given a first Premier League start.

The Brazil international has struggled for regular action ever since joining from Real Madrid back in the summer transfer window.

But Casemiro, with his nous and experience, could be required if the Red Devils are able to emerge victorious.

Christian Eriksen should be in the team as well, with the Denmark international exceeding expectations following his summer arrival.

And playing further ahead of the duo should be Bruno Fernandes, who will likely be captain for the match in the absence of Harry Maguire.

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Forwards: Sancho, Rashford, Antony

Ten Hag confirmed on Friday that Rashford was back in training.

And with the England international rediscovering his best form, it’s feasible he’ll go into the team at Ronaldo’s expense.

Rashford will likely be used down the middle if he does indeed start, having started to show some encouraging signs of fulfilling his potential in that position.

On the left will go Jadon Sancho, who scored in the same game last term.

And, on the right, Antony – who will be hoping to net a second league goal from as many outings.

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Ten Hag has plan to stop Haaland

Speaking before United’s match with City, meanwhile, Ten Hag has insisted they’re ready to stop Erling Haaland from continuing his scoring streak.

He said: “I like Haaland’s attitude and how he is on the pitch. He is direct. His life is about goals – and he goes directly toward the opponent.

“He can also create – but once again I respect him.

“But we are not playing against Haaland. We are playing against Man City – and it is not about Man City.

“For us, I respect the opponent – but it is about Man Utd.

“We want to play our game, with our principles and our rules.”

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