In the build-up to the most anticipated derby in recent years, everyone seems to be doing combined teams at a pace we’ve never seen before. So, Read Man City have decided to join in the fun.
We’ve seen some very contentious choices (usually involving Marcus Rashford, and we can assure you he won’t be involved in this slideshow) doing the rounds on Twitter, but we’re here to give you the definitive answer on which United players would get in our team.
Of course, we always want to hear what our readers think, and you can show us using the BBC’s website, where they’ve set up a feature to create your own combined team. Obviously, only go use theirs once you’ve read our piece, and tweet us the results @ReadManCity.
GK - David De Gea
As it stands, De Gea still gets in the team. Who has the better goalkeeper has been a raging debate among City and United fans for a few years now, and a new consideration now has to be Claudio Bravo, who should start on Saturday. Obviously, we don’t know how he’ll adapt to the Premier League, but who knows? He could be in the combined team for the next derby.
RB - Bacary Sagna
Sagna was a solid presence at right-back last season, and could well be again this year if he adapts to Pep Guardiola’s system. The France international is better than Antonio Valencia at right-back, and so easily gets into this team.
CB - Vincent Kompany
On his day, Kompany is still one of the world’s finest defenders, and his place on this combined eleven is unquestionable. Everyone involved with City is desperate for the Belgian to be able to retain fitness this season, due to the immense benefits a fit Kompany can bring.
CB - Eric Bailly
This position was a toss-up between Bailly and John Stones, who has been impervious for City so far this season. However, in the interests of fairness the Ivorian defender makes it. The new signing has impressed for United so far this season, and could form an important part of their defence for years to come.
LB - Luke Shaw
Back from injury, Shaw makes it into the team ahead of Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy. An impressive young talent, Shaw comfortably beats City’s significantly older pair.
CM - Fernandinho
The key component of City’s midfield, Fernandinho would be difficult to leave out in favour of Ander Herrera or Marouane Fellaini. The Brazilian has an important role dropping in between the central defenders, and will be vital in any success Pep Guardiola has in his first season.
CM - Paul Pogba
The world’s new most expensive player, Pogba is an important part of United’s system, and gets into the team in front of Yaya Toure, Fernando, Ilkay Gundogan, or any of the other midfielders from either team. May not prove to be great value with the £89 million price-tag, but a big addition for Mourinho nonetheless.
RW - Raheem Sterling
After the hounding of last season and the summer, Raheem Sterling has hit back at his critics by being City’s best player so far this season in a new role on the right of midfield. Better in this role than any of the alternatives United could offer, and could be integral to a win on Saturday.
CAM - David Silva
Silva already looks reinvigorated in Pep Guardiola’s system and looks like he could get back to the supreme talent we came to expect. Potentially an ideal player for this City team, he gets into a combined XI ahead of Wayne Rooney.
LW - Anthony Martial
Martial earns a place in the team due to being in the league longer than Nolito, who is also looking very good. The Frenchman was United’s top scorer last year, but has been utilised regularly on the left side and gets into the combined team.
ST - Sergio Aguero
It was never going to be anyone else, was it? The best striker we’ve ever seen at City, he’s a shoo-in for this team despite being suspended for Saturday’s fixture. Six goals already this season, Aguero’s set for a fantastic year this season.