How Man Utd may lineup vs. Man City with FIVE defenders set to be out with injuries

Manchester United will face Manchester City on Saturday at Wembley in the Community Shield. 

Erik ten Hag's side are looking to once again overcome Pep Guardiola's City after their most recent triumph over them in the FA Cup final back in May.

While the odds are stacked against them, like they were that day, Ten Hag is looking to win his third trophy as United boss.

He may, however, have to do it with another injury-ridden squad as United picked up significant injuries to their squad during the preseason tour. 

MORE: All the latest Man Utd news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Man United predicted lineup, starting 11, team news vs. Man City

Ten Hag's tour could not have gone much worse for his new signing Leny Yoro, who fractured his metatarsal in United’s defeat to Arsenal during their pre-season tour of the United States.

United are also set to be without Tyrell Malacia, Will Fish and the status of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are currently unknown. It could mean that Casemiro may have to slot in at centre-back. 

Rasmus Hojlund is also a doubt after he too was injured in the game vs. Arsenal. His injury is expected to be a hamstring problem. 

Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and other international stars like Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez returned to training earlier this week and may need to be thrown into the thick of it. 

Man United predicted (4-2-2-2, right to left): Onana — Dalot, Casemiro, Martinez, Amass — Eriksen, Fernandes — Garnacho, Amad — Rashford, Sancho.

Injured: Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Will Fish, Jonny Evans (doubt), Harry Maguire (doubt), Victor Lindelof (doubt), Rasmus Hojlund (doubt)
Suspended: —

The United boss will conduct his pre-match press conference on Friday, where we will hear more on how the team may line up.

Man United vs Man City history

The Manchester derby is one of the longest-running battles in English football with their first meeting dating back to 1881, three years after United were formed, and just over 12 months after City's creation.

Despite their often contrasting fortunes, the rivalry has continued to burn bright on both sides of the city, with City unlikely to draw level on overall wins for at least another decade.

Across all competitions, since 1881, the two sides have met a total of 190 times, with 78 wins for United, 60 for City, and 53 draws.

*Data correct as of May 25, 2024 at the conclusion of the 2024 FA Cup final.

Man United vs Man City trophies won

The gap in total trophies remains significantly in United's favour, but City's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down as they aim to catch United and Liverpool as the two dominant forces in English footballing history.