All the Man Utd players expected to be fit and firing for derby against Man City

We assess how United are shaping up ahead of the clash with Manchester City this weekend.
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Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend after a 28-day wait, and travel to local rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils have not been in domestic action since 4 September due to the Queen’s death and funeral, plus the latest round of international fixtures.

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It means Erik ten Hag’s men should be relatively fresh heading into the Manchester derby, especially those not called by their national teams.

But ahead of the clash with City, we take a look at who should be feeling fit and firing, and which players featured most over the international break.

Goalkeepers

None of United’s goalkeeper’s were involved in international action over the recent break, with David de Gea and Tom Heaton not called up by Spain or England.

David de Gea has been training with United over the international break. Credit: Getty.David de Gea has been training with United over the international break. Credit: Getty.
David de Gea has been training with United over the international break. Credit: Getty.

Martin Dubravka was, however he returned early to Carrington after picking up a knock while training with Slovakia.

Defence

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All four of United’s main centre-backs were in action during the latest round of fixtures, with Harry Maguire picking up a knock for England which could rule him out of the derby.

Victor Lindelof endured a tough break as Sweden were relegated to League C of the Nations League. He played both matches and led a backline which conceded five goals in two matches.

As for first-choice pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, they both started one game each for France and Argentina and are looking like the freshest United centre-back options.

At right-back, Diogo Dalot netted twice as Portugal beat Czech Republic, but he was rested for the game with Spain and will have gone eight days without a break by Sunday. Aaron Wan-Bissaka remained at Carrington but is unlikely to start against City.

Luke Shaw scored for England against Germany. Credit: Getty.Luke Shaw scored for England against Germany. Credit: Getty.
Luke Shaw scored for England against Germany. Credit: Getty.
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The latest batch of international football proved to be a boost for Luke Shaw. He scored in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany and got 90 minutes in the tank for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.

Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia played just 45 minutes for the Netherlands as they secured top spot in the Nations League

Midfield

Christian Eriksen put in two outstanding displays for Denmark over the break, and played the full 180 minutes for his international side.

Casemiro also had a busy period and started in both of Brazil’s friendly wins, while Fred played 90 minutes across the two matches.

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Scott McTominay may have missed Scotland’s 0-0 draw with Ukraine which saw them gain promotion in the Nations League, but he still managed to play 180 minutes due to Steve Clarke’s men having another fixture squeezed in.

Bruno Fernandes also played in both of Portugal’s games, as the 2016 European champions lost out on top spot in the Nations League.

Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek wasn’t selected by the Netherlands but was carrying an injury prior to the hiatus in club football and remains a doubt for Sunday.

Overall, Fred looks like the freshest option for Ten Hag, with McTominay, Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes playing similar minutes over the last week.

Ronaldo endured a frustrating international break. Credit: Getty.Ronaldo endured a frustrating international break. Credit: Getty.
Ronaldo endured a frustrating international break. Credit: Getty.

Attack

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Jadon Sancho’s omission from the England squad should mean he’s fit and firing for a trip to his former club at the weekend. Marcus Rashford was also left out by Gareth Southgate, but it’s unclear at this stage if he’ll be fit in time for Sunday.

The same can be said for Anthony Martial, who has been suffering with an Achilles problem and wasn’t called up by France. Should he and Rashford miss out, Cristiano Ronaldo will likely start up front after he suffered a disappointing international break.

The forward was criticised in his homeland for his performances in games against Czech Republic and Spain, with the 37-year-old playing the full 180 minutes across the double header.

As for wingers, Antony and Anthony Elanga both played less than an hour respectively for Brazil and Sweden.