It’s for the first time since 2012 December, Manchester City and Manchester United are facing each other with the Premier League top spot at stake.
Manuel Pelegrini’s City went off to a flying start to this season, but van Gaal’s United have well caught up keeping the early setback to Swansea a distant matter to come within 2 points of their arch rivals.
Fans of both clubs will definitely have their own opinions about players from which Manchester outfit are better in every position. Ahead of the 170th Manchester derby we have also revealing a combined XI of our own.
So who exactly makes it to our combined Manchester XI, let’s find out:
David De Gea – Goalkeeper (Manchester United)
The stylish Spaniard just edges it past Joe Hart. De Gea is in my opinion worth 10 points per season at least to Manchester United defence. Also already in this campaign, the shotstoper’s influence has been felt. However, Joe Hart in his credibility has had some impressive well performed games, but he doesn’t come close to the Spaniard.
Matteo Darmian – Right Back (Manchester United)
A few weeks ago in the shocking defeat to Arsenal, despite having an extremely agonising experience against Alexis Sanchez, Darmian has so far impressed in his first Premier League campaign and is the Red Devil’s top tackler at this moment.
Vincent Kompany – Centre Back (Manchester City)
Definitely an exception to the current form and fitness stipulation. It’s not possible to leave Vincent Kompany out of this combined eleven. Moreover after his return from injury and the warning stat which says Manchester City haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet in the seven matches he was absent, he is surely Pelegrini’s first choice at the heart of City defence.
Chris Smalling – Centre Back (Manchester United)
Smalling till now has been undoubtedly Manchester United’s player of the season, a brilliant combination of defensive surety along with admirable composure in possession has made the English defender a standout performer. When he was sent off in the Etihad derby last season and tagged ‘stupid’ by the new manager van Gaal, his future at Old Trafford looked uncertain. But now Smalling is the Dutchman’s most reliable defender.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Left Back (Manchester City)
The sometimes-shaky Serbian Kolarov has produced an impressive start to this campaign, showing an ideal effective understanding with City’s new star Raheem Sterling. But this position would have gone to Luke shaw if was not sidelined with double leg break.
Yaya Toure – Central Midfielder (Manchester City)
A player surely defined by big moments. That’s what Yaya Toure is. Despite rumours that he is unhappy in City, the Ivorian has showed flashes of his best skills once again in this season. Toure’s stunning champions league assist against Sevilla on Wednesday was a eyecatcher. When he is bad he is bad, but when he is good, he will amaze you with a moment of brilliance.
Fernandinho – Central Midfielder (Manchester City)
Along with Toure, the Brazilian can just sway the balance of power in the high voltage derby. Calm temperament with pacey delirium, Fernandinho’s fluidity gives City nice openings from unyielding situations.
Juan Mata – Right Attacking Midfield (Manchester United)
Mata is the most crucial component of Manchester United’s attacking quartet and his credibility to comprehend a variety of positions along with brilliant decision making sense sees him beat Raheem Sterling into our combined XI.
Kevin De Bruyne – Central Attacking Midfield (Manchester City)
What an excellent signing. £54m is huge money, but Kevin De Bruyne has already proved some what to justify his staggering price tag. He has already five goals and three assists beside his name and his fascinating winner against Sevilla can be the most defining goal of Manchester City’s season.
Anthony Martial – Left Attacking Midfield (Manchester United)
In-form Anthony Martial can be moved out to the left, as he was operating in United’s win against Everton, to balance the figurehead of this combined squad. This young lad has been a revelation since joining the Red Devils.
Rooney – Striker (Manchester United)
You cannot leave Wayne Rooney out, especially in Manchester derby. Relative lack of domestic form can’t hide his best scoring record in Manchester derby. Rooney is indispensable to the Red Devils and with his leadership skills this season, he is also the captain of our combined Manchester XI ahead of the massive derby this season.