An earlier than expected Pep v Jose battle in the Manchester Derby is on the horizon. The two Manchester sides meet in China, Beijing, on Monday afternoon and with both of the sides announcing their squads in the past week, they’re more than prepared.
Jose has a 25-man squad at his proposal, whereas Guardiola has a team of 34 ready to play in Asia’s International Champions Cup. New signings Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Nolito and Zinchenko could face off in their first taste of the historic derby, but others such as Ilkay Gundogan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have to wait until the season starts to play against their counterparts.
I’m sure as the transfer window goes on and the competitive season starts the combined XI of City and United will change, however, using only the announced tour squads I have chosen the strongest team from the two.
The starting eleven is on the following slides.
David De Gea
Two strong choices in Hart and De Gea for goalkeeper but ultimately the Spaniard was chosen. A wonderful shot-stopper, much more confident in the air than he once was and a general life-saver for United.
Pablo Zabaleta
Back from injury and his transfer to Roma seemingly halted, Pablo Zabaleta’s legacy at City could yet continue. City fans are hoping that Pep can revitalize a right-back that once was the league’s best.
Vincent Kompany
Currently still carrying his injury from late last season, but with the squad in Germany and China on captain duty, Kompany leads from centre-back in this combined XI. Impossible to dismiss his talents even with the fitness problems he’s had, Kompany is an elite central defender.
Chris Smalling
A disappointing Euros in all honesty, but Smalling had a great year last year so he still makes the cut just ahead of Otamendi, who has recently joined up with the City team in Beijing.
Luke Shaw
Angelino was phenomenal for City last week, but I’ve chosen Luke Shaw as the left-back for the team. A minor halt in his progression after an unfortunate injury picked up early in the season last year, but I’m sure Shaw will get over it and I expect to see him in national colours for years to come.
Fernandinho
Many people’s choice for player of the season, Fernandinho starts in centre midfield. His high intensity pressing game was adored by fans all over the country, and with a suited manager like Guardiola taking him under his wing, he can only get better.
Yaya Toure
Rumours of Toure’s departure have been long forgotten by now and fans are anticipating the Ivorian to benefit from a little less football this year and benefit from the man who once managed him at Barcelona. The pair will have to build a relationship once more but I do think the trust is there and I am excited to maybe see the old Toure back once more.
David Silva
Back with the team after his Euro 2016 extended break, ‘el mago’ takes the attacking midfield role. One of the world’s very finest in that position, Silva can create something out of nothing and when the pass is on, he is more than trusted to execute it.
Wayne Rooney
Before the Iceland humiliation, Rooney was enjoying a decent Euro campaign as a midfielder and that’s where he plays in this team. His experience and wide passing range makes him a great player to have in the hole.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
With Martial and De Bruyne still resting after international duty, a space has opened up for the former Dortmund creator, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Amazed everyone in the Bundesliga the previous year, the 27-year old Armenian midfielder is expected to take the Premier League by storm this year.
Sergio Aguero
The best striker in the league, arguably the world and easily cutting it into this team is Sergio Aguero. After the fiasco in Argentina, that seen more than a couple internationals retire, Aguero is back with the City boys to get some match fitness at club level before the big season kicks off in August.