Early team news for the Manchester derby

Thursday 26 October 2023 16:00

Manchester United will hope to welcome Casemiro back into the squad for Sunday's Manchester derby against City.

The Brazil captain picked up an injury while representing his country in the World Cup qualifiers, delaying his return to England and causing him to miss the 2-1 win at Sheffield United.

However, he returned to training in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League tie against FC Copenhagen, but was unavailable for the dramatic 1-0 victory as he served a one-game suspension in the competition.

Erik ten Hag will probably provide an update on his squad in his press conference, which will be covered via our official club channels on Friday from 13:30 BST.

However, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are definitely ruled out and Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, although making progress in their recovery from injury, are not expected to be available.

Kobbie Mainoo made his comeback in the UEFA Youth League tie against FC Copenhagen but Amad is another absentee.

Harry Maguire partnered Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence on Tuesday night, scoring the winner from a brilliant cross by Christian Eriksen, who promoted his claims for a start after coming off the bench in the second half.

On-loan defender Sergio Reguilon returned to action, at left-back, in midweek, following his recent lay-off.

There are plenty of options for Ten Hag to contemplate as he prepares a tactical plan to take on the Blues, with striker Rasmus Hojlund in line for his first derby appearance.

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CITY'S TEAM NEWS

Pep Guardiola made seven changes for the 3-1 win at Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Manuel Akanji scored the opening goal in Switzerland but is suspended for the derby after being sent off late in the 2-1 triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez were on the bench in Bern, although the latter did come on in the second half.

"Phil had a little problem," commented Guardiola. "Julian could not play 90 minutes."

Kevin De Bruyne appears to be the only confirmed absentee due to injury, however, with a thigh problem keeping the Belgium playmaker on the sidelines.

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