Manchester derby team news: No Lukaku or Pogba for Manchester United

 

Paul Pogba has failed to shake off an injury picked up against Juventus on Wednesday, serving Manchester United a huge blow in their hopes of recording successive Premier League victories away to Manchester City.The France international did not train on Friday and is not deemed fit enough to form United's matchday squad.

 

Pogba has now missed three of the five Premier League meetings with City since returning to United in the summer of 2016. Maraoune Fellaini has been preferred over £50m summer-signing Fred to replace Pogba in midfield after playing a key part in United’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Juventus.


United are at least boosted by the return of Romelu Lukaku but the Belgium international is only fit enough for a place on the bench. Lukaku has missed United's last two games with a hamstring complaint but does at least provide Mourinho with an option from the bench if required.

 

Alexis Sanchez has deputised for United's No.9 in games against Bournemouth and Juventus but has been dropped to the bench in favour of Marcus Rashford. Pep Guardiola’s side have the best defensive record in the Premier League (four goals conceded) and Rashford will need to show a cutting-edge he has lacked this season in order to have any joy at the Etihad.


Juan Mata came off the bench and sparked United's comeback victory over Juventus but Mourinho has resisted the temptation to start the Spaniard, instead sticking with the energy Jesse Lingard provides. Ander Herrera starts successive matches for the first time this season and he will be tasked with man-marking City maestro David Silva.

 

Manchester derby team news: No Lukaku or Pogba for Manchester United

 

Guardiola has sprung no surprises with his starting XI. With Kevin De Bruyne still sidelined, Bernardo Silva continues his fine run in the team in midfield alongside Silva and Fernandinho. Riyad Mahez and Leroy Sane have been in a constant battle for a starting berth this season and the former has got the nod on this occasion.

 

John Stones has been preferred to Vincent Kompany in defence, while Sergio Aguero is reinstated up front despite Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick in the Champions League on Wednesday. United won on their last visit to the Etihad but victory today would secure back-to-back away league wins over City for just the first time since 2010. 

Manchester derby team news: No Lukaku or Pogba for Manchester United