The Manchester United manager has some selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday’s game.

Erik ten Hag has two major selection decisions to make for Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The Red Devils return to Premier League action this weekend after a 28-day break and make the short journey to Manchester City.

Speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Ten Hag confirmed Harry Maguire will miss the derby due to injury, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are doubts after only recently returning to training.

It means Cristiano Ronaldo could be handed a first Premier League start since the 4-0 loss to Brentford in August, his only domestic start of the campaign to date.

But following an international break where Ronaldo’s contribution to the Portugal national side was questioned in his homeland, there remain real doubts about whether the forward is a help or hindrance in the United team.

Ronaldo has started just one league game this season for United. Credit; Getty.

Another option is some sort of false-nine system, although a similar set-up had disastrous consequences for United at the Etihad last season.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag may consider handing Casemiro a first league start since his summer move to Old Trafford, which would probably result in the midfield pairing of Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen being split up.

The duo have contributed immensely to United’s four-game winning run, but Ten Hag could be tempted to introduce the experienced Casemiro for a game of this magnitude.

Casemiro could break up the McTominay-Eriksen midfield partnership. Credit: Getty.

How will Ten Hag line up?

The back five picks itself for the derby, with the defence of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia starting in all of the last four league games.

In midfield, we’re backing Ten Hag to stick with McTominay and Eriksen after their impressive run of form, while both enjoyed successful international breaks.

That would mean Casemiro remaining on the bench, while Bruno Fernandes looks like a shoo-in to take the final starting spot in the middle.

There’s plenty for Ten Hag to think about ahead of Sunday’s derby. Credit: Getty.

Rashford being out would likely result in Antony and Jadon Sancho playing in the wide areas, while Ten Hag may have no option but to start Ronaldo up top.

The forward missed last season’s trip to the Etihad but did play in the derby at Old Trafford last November.

Manchester United predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Ronaldo, Sancho.

Man Utd predicted XI to face Man City - and Erik ten Hag’s two massive pre-match derby decisions

How will Ten Hag line up?