Man City vs Man United: The ultimate combined XI revealed with five United stars
Manchester United make the short trip across town to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for a blockbuster Premier League clash against Manchester City.
The excitement is already high ahead of the first Manchester Derby of the 2025-26 season.
Here is a combined XI of the two sides, with the caveat that only players fit for selection are considered.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
James Trafford
Both clubs have undergone a shake-up in the goalkeeping department this summer.
After two fatal mistakes from Altay Bayindir against Arsenal and Burnley, James Trafford easily wins this battle.
Defence
Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Ruben Dias, Patrick Dorgu
The right-back position is a major weakness for Man City.
Diogo Dalot is injured, whereas Noussair Mazraoui only just returned from injury against Burnley.
Leny Yoro has looked sensational as a right centre-back, and he takes this debatable spot in our line-up.
De Ligt and Dias are arguably the two standout centre-backs available.
Ait-Nouri would have been our first-choice but his absence clears that pathway for Patrick Dorgu.
Midfield
Rodri, Bruno Fernandes, Tijani Reijnders
Rodri once again edges Casemiro in the holding role, just as he has consistently done in recent seasons.
Ahead of him, Bruno Fernandes and Tijani Reijnders are the obvious picks, combining creativity and drive.
Attack
Bryan Mbeumo, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
Mbeumo has had a positive start to his United career with two goals in four games (including one at Grimsby in the Carabao Cup).
He added another strike during the international break for Cameroon, and United fans will hope he carries that form into the derby.
With Matheus Cunha and Omar Marmoush sidelined, Jeremy Doku becomes the natural starter on the left wing.
Haaland is an automatic pick. He netted five goals and provided two assists for Norway in a recent win and could decide the fate of this Derby on the weekend.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .