One United player you would take at City
Manchester City’s pre-season tour in China starts on Monday with a derby match against Manchester United and, although it doesn’t feel right playing a Manc derby anywhere but Manchester, it gives you plenty to talk about.
A personal battle, that both managers have admitted they will not be getting involved with, between Mourinho and Guardiola, adds an extra edge to the Manchester Derby this year. The atmosphere may not be as good over in Beijing and the result is not important, but that won’t stop both managers fighting for the first psychological advantage.
Monday July 25th, National Stadium (91,000 capacity), Beijing, 12:30pm.
What we want to know though is if Pep could take one of Mourinho’s United players at City, who would you want him to take out of this list?
You ultimately voted for .
Luke Shaw
Badly injured for the majority of last season, Luke Shaw was missed at the Euros for England and will be welcomed back as a new signing almost by our rivals. With City’s weaknesses at fullback evident last season, Shaw could be the clever choice here.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Armenian starlet Henrikh Mkhitaryan took the Bundesliga by storm last season, much like Kevin de Bruyne once did for Wolfsburg, expectations are set high for the former Dortmund creator.
Marcus Rashford
Out of nowhere, Rashford has risen from the academy to the first team and is now in contention for international starts – what a season the young lad has had. A local Manc boy, who is the red’s answer to Kelechi Iheanacho – would you take him at City or is one young star up-front enough?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Probably past his peak playing age but, even at 34, Zlatan is a world-class footballer and a fitness fanatic. The Swedish legend is about to make his first mark on English club football, do you wish it was in blue instead of red?
Anthony Martial
My pick of the bunch, Martial is lightning quick and is a fantastic dribbler of the ball. Out-wide, the Frenchman could be the superior replacement to our very own Jesus Navas.
Chris Smalling
Like every other central defender, Smalling has his flaws and there’s a mistake or two in him. However, he is far off the finished product and with some guidance from great leaders, such as Vincent Kompany, the ex-Fulham defender could one day be a world beater.
David De Gea
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, De Gea has overcome problems faced in English football and is now an established shot-stopper who carries a lot of responsibility in the current United team.
Wayne Rooney
Rightly so hated by City fans but respected as a player, England captain Wayne Rooney should never be seen in a City shirt. But, football is a funny old game and anything could happen.
Juan Mata
Not best mates with Mourinho by any accounts, there’s a high chance Mata will be out of the door before the 2016/17 season starts. Taking him at City when you have a better version of a Spanish maestro could prove to be pointless but two heads are better than one, would you snatch him from Jose’s hands if you were Pep?
Leaderboard
David De Gea | 71% |
Anthony Martial | 67% |
Luke Shaw | 55% |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan | 53% |
Marcus Rashford | 44% |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 41% |
Chris Smalling | 37% |
Juan Mata | 20% |
Wayne Rooney | 16% |