MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola look on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on March 08, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United welcome neighbors Manchester City to Old Trafford for an EFL Cup semi-final fixture. The Red Devils have been one of the most in-form sides in the country. They dispatched Everton in the quarterfinal to reach this stage.
Even after a bit of a slump, City have been the team closest to United’s form. They have also won 4 of their last 5 games and knocked out Arsenal in the quarterfinal. It should be different from the stalemate we witnessed between these two sides last month as there will be no second leg. A winner must emerge.
There will be a few injuries to wiggle through for this game. Victor Lindelof could miss this game with his long standing back problem. The defensive duo of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are also expected to be out. There seems to be no other injuries for Solskjaer to deal with.
Edinson Cavani will be serving the second of his 3-game suspension after his comments on social media. Solskjaer could throw on his strongest line-up with maybe just a few tweaks here and there.
Dean Henderson might have been a good shout but with De Gea in splendid form, the latter continues in goal.
If one thought Wan-Bissaka cannot contribute in the attacking third, they were surely proven wrong. He’s looking adept at both ends these days.
On his day, Eric Bailly is Manchester United’s best defender. The Ivorian is a no-nonsense defender who isn’t afraid of going into a challenge.
The captain will continue to lead his team. Looks much better with Bailly’s agility beside him.
There is a good chance that Telles could be given the nod but Shaw has been more consistent.
Solid as ever, he will likely have to keep tabs on Kevin De Bryune throughout the game.
Fred hasn’t done much wrong in the last few games and retains his spot.
This man is very likely to be their most potent weapon again. His influence on the game could decide the game for Manchester United.
Pogba may not be hitting those numbers in terms of goals but rest assured, his presence in midfield is vital for United.
The local lad will know how important a good showing in this derby will be.
It bodes well for Solskjaer that Martial has started grabbing some goals. Will be vital in the absence of Cavani.