Manchester United will take on their city rivals Manchester City on 25th in the International Champions Cup at the Birds Nest Stadium. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will renew their rivalry as they face each other now with their respective new teams. This will be United’s second game on their preseason tour, following a heavy 4-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund on Friday. The only consolation was that new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan got on the scoresheet in a match dominated completely by the German team. United are still without some players who are on their summer holiday following European Championship and Cope America. Jose Mourinho will be experimenting with his team selection to find that perfect balance before the season kicks off on August 13th.
Guardiola will come into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat against his former club Bayern Munich. Both managers will be forced to select their starting XI from a depleted squad, given that most of the senior players have just joined preseason training and are a long way away from full match fitness. This will be the first ever Manchester derby to be held outside England. Here we predict Jose Mourinho’s starting XI to face City.
Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
His inexperience clearly showed against Borussia Dortmund, isn’t too comfortable with the ball at his feet, and should have done better for the opening goal. Will most likely keep his place for the derby, given that David De Gea has just returned for preseason.
Defenders: Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Jones and Shaw
Valencia was one of the worst performers on Friday and should step aside for Fosu-Mensah, who had a brilliant first game against Wigan Athletic. Bailly is turning out to be an excellent signing after two back-to-back impressive performances. He will partner Phil Jones in central defense, the English international has been struggling for form for a long time and is most likely to move this summer. Shaw is still on the path to full fitness following a horrible double leg break last year but will keep his place for the match on Monday, even though he complete a full 90 minutes against Dortmund.
Midfielders: Mata, Herrera, Carrick, Depay; Mkhitaryan
Herrera and Carrick will both start in central midfield with Morgan Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger still missing from action. Carrick didn’t make an appearance in the last match, while Herrera kept things tidy in the middle with a usual energetic performance. Mata will most likely keep his place as the number 10 following his assist for Mkhitaryan in the last match. There are huge doubts regarding the future of the Spanish midfielder ever since the appointment of Jose Mourinho. Mkhitaryan has been the standout player for United in both their matches and should continue on the left wing, after opening his account as a United player. Depay will most likely slot in at right-wing.
Striker: Marcus Rashford
The English youngster might start this match after making a substitute appearance in the last one. Rated as one of the most talented teenagers in the world, Rashford looked lively against Dortmund.