Ten Hag: Details can make the difference

Sunday 02 October 2022 13:00

Erik ten Hag has made just one change to his Manchester United line-up for this afternoon's Premier League game against Manchester City (KO 14:00 BST).

The boss has outlined where he thinks the difference will be made as we go head-to-head with our local rivals. 

"Against two top teams, the details make the difference," Ten Hag said ahead of kick-off. 

"We have to make sure that the details are on our side."

Back in action: Rashford returns to the starting XI.

Despite the magnitude of the game, and it being his first taste of a Manchester derby, Ten Hag is confident that his side can get a result away from home.

"I think we have to play the game, we have to play our best. When we follow the rules and we follow the principles, we have a chance to win this game. 

"It's going to be hard but we are convinced we'll get the right result and we will see after."

Those details are already falling in favour of United, who welcome back Marcus Rashford to the starting XI after a short spell on the sidelines with an injury. 

"He trained well," said the manager. "He has returned to team training, we took the right steps, he is fit." 

And Rashford isn't the only Red returning to the matchday squad this afternoon, with Anthony Martial named on the bench for the first time since our 2-1 win over Liverpool in August. 

Bruno Fernandes retains the captain's armband in the absence of Harry Maguire, with the latter ruled out having picked up an injury on international duty for England. 

Our final summer arrival, Antony, keeps his place down the right after scoring on his Premier League debut against Arsenal.

United's Player of the Month for September: Christian Eriksen.

As for the hosts, there are three changes from the Manchester City line-up that started their last outing before the international break – a 3-0 win at Wolves.

The big news is that defensive midfielder Rodri is not in the squad, and it looks as if captain Ilkay Gundogan will fill that deeper role, in the Spaniard’s absence.

Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker, back from injury, also come into Pep Guardiola's side, which is spearheaded by the Premier League’s current top goalscorer, Erling Haaland.

LINE-UPS

City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Grealish.

Subs: Ortega, Carson, Dias, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Palmer, Lewis.

United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford. 

Subs: Heaton, Lindelof, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Elanga, Ronaldo, Pellistri, Martial.

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