CRISTIANO RONALDO could make only his SECOND Premier League start of the season – but it would come in one of Manchester United’s biggest games of the year.
The Red Devils are taking on reigning Prem champions, and fierce rivals, Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
City welcome United to their home already holding a five-point advantage in the table.
Pep Guardiola’s side are sat second on 17 points, one behind table toppers Arsenal.
Man Utd, meanwhile, are down in fifth on 12.
Unfortunately for new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, it looks like he’ll be without main man Marcus Rashford for the Manchester Derby.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
The forward has rediscovered his form this season, scoring three and assisting two in six league games played.
Rashford has been struggling with a muscle injury.
Anthony Martial is also missing, with his start to the season hampered by injury despite a promising pre-season.
He hasn’t been in training this week, and so Ten Hag could turn to 816-career goal man Ronaldo.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
The 37-year-old wanted OUT of Old Trafford in the summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, worked overtime to engineer a move away, but there were no bites.
Jadon Sancho and summer signing Antony would surround Ronaldo with pace and flair.
Bruno Fernandes would play in behind his fellow countryman, Ronaldo, and a midfield duo of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could sit in front of the backline.
Tyrell Malacia has impressed since joining from Feyenoord and may be selected to defend the left flank.
Barring any late injuries, Raphael Varane should be partnered by Lisandro Martinez.
They’ll be tasked with stopping Erling Haaland, who has 11 goals in seven in the league.
Diogo Dalot has ousted Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, and David De Gea is expected to start in goal.
Alternatively, Ten Hag COULD turn to Luke Shaw, who scored in England’s 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany earlier this week.
In midfield, Ten Hag may decide to play a wildcard in Donny van de Beek.
Read More on The Sun
Ten Hag worked with the player at Ajax before his move to Man Utd.
Van De Beek is yet to start for United this season, but would be eager to not let his boss down if called upon.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
