MANCHESTER UNITED could have a clean bill of health for Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against cross-town rivals Manchester City.
Both Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay have been out for United as of late, although both could feature in the derby.
How Man Utd could start Sunday’s derby against Man CityThere are ‘question marks’ over the availability of some players after McTominay missed the last two games, but Rangick could have a full squad to choose fromCredit: Getty
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was without McTominay for the draws against Atletico Madrid and Watford with the Scotsman suffering from illness.
And he didn’t confirm whether or not the midfielder was available for Sunday, saying: “There are still some question marks over other players. It looks good for Edinson for Sunday.”
However after being spotted in training McTominay does seem to be a candidate to start.
Cavani meanwhile has not played since the 1-1 draw at Burnley on February 8.
And despite returning to training on Thursday he is unlikely to usurp Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
But if McTominay is passed fit he is likely to partner Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield, behind the roaming Bruno Fernandes.
In what could be a much-changed team from the one that stuttered to a 0-0 stalemate with Watford, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford could be reinstated on the wings.
Skipper Harry Maguire is also expected to slot back in alongside Raphael Varane in defence after being benched against the Hornets.
Alex Telles could keep his place at left-back though, while Diogo Dalot may be given the nod at right-back.
The Portuguese international will be fresher than Aaron Wan-Bissaka having not started the last three games in all competitions.
David De Gea meanwhile remains to be one of the first names on the team-sheet after a scintillating season between the sticks.
Alternatively Rangnick could throw the cat among the pigeons and pick the fit again Cavani over Ronaldo.
Alternative Man Utd starting side vs Man City
The German wasn’t afraid to drop Ronaldo against Burnley last month, but whether he has the nerve to make such a call for the derby with league leaders City remains to be seen.
Youngster Anthony Elanga could be preferred to Rashford on the wing after a good run of form, which would see Sancho shuffled across to the right.
And if McTominay is not passed fit to play it is likely to be a midfield pairing of Fred and Pogba.
Luke Shaw could also get the nod at left-back, and after starting two out of the last three at right-back Aaron Wan Bissaka could be selected again.
Rangnick’s team has been subject to constant change since he came to the club in December, with the Red Devils yet to really establish a consistent starting side.
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