Man Utd predicted line-up v Man City: Erik ten Hag faces midfield dilemma ahead of derby - gallery

Manchester United will face their biggest test of the season so far when they host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

After a disappointing start to the campaign, there are tentative signs of growth from United, who have won the last three in all competitions. It’s a run that has, at the very least, altered Erik ten Hag’s outlook heading into the derby.

“You see, we are back where we wanted to be, this is a hard [United] team to beat, and they find a way to win. So, we are going in the right direction,” the ex-Ajax manager confidently asserted in Friday’s press conference.

"In this moment, we are six points [behind City], so we have to catch up,” he added. “We know we have to progress the team, so we have to make developments. It also has to do with the co-operation, with the movement around, with the distribution to him. And so we have to work on that. That is my focus point."

Ten Hag will also be focused on his starting XI, with Casemiro a major doubt for the game. The United boss said his midfielder is facing a ‘race against the clock’ to be fit for Sunday’s derby, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Amad and Jadon Sancho aren’t available, with Kobbie Mainoo a doubt.

It leaves Ten Hag with a few big decisions to make, firstly who plays in midfield if Casemiro is ruled out. Christian Eriksen has impressed in recent matches, but isn’t necessarily suited to games where United won’t see much of the ball. Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount have struggled of late, meaning there’s no obvious starter in the middle other than Bruno Fernandes.

Then there’s the offensive areas to consider, with Marcus Rashford and Antony, Ten Hag’s preferred choices, managing a combined one goal and one assist from league 15 appearances this term. It gives the Dutchman plenty to consider ahead of Sunday’s derby, and here’s how we think the team will line up at Old Trafford…