[minoo-utd]

When it comes to games like this one, losing is not an option so Jose mainly knows exactly what to do to win such games, a game which will turn things around and put us with only 5 points gap with 20 games to play that will put things wide open after every one almost said it's City's season surely. Big big game but I really do trust Jose at those games at least don't lose, and I will take the draw too but all i hope for that we try to control the game since it's at O.T. we just can't sit back most of times in front of our fans, we need to attack and be very brave and risky at times.

 

[Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell]

When it comes to games like this one, losing is not an option so Jose mainly knows exactly what to do to win such games, a game which will turn things around and put us with only 5 points gap with 20 games to play that will put things wide open after every one almost said it's City's season surely. Big big game but I really do trust Jose at those games at least don't lose, and I will take the draw too but all i hope for that we try to control the game since it's at O.T. we just can't sit back most of times in front of our fans, we need to attack and be very brave and risky at times.

It's not going to be pretty but i trust Jose will guide us to victory, at any cost!

 

[minoo-utd]

Can we play with Martial-Rashford- Lingard as front three with their pace we might need the three of them? And bring Lukaku later on if we needed!
-------------------Dav1d---------------------
---Jones----Smalling-----Rojo------
Val----------------------------------------Ash
---------Herrera----------Matic---------
Lingard---------Rash---------Tony11

 

[Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell]

Can we play with Martial-Rashford- Lingard as front three with their pace we might need the three of them? And bring Lukaku later on if we needed!
-------------------Dav1d---------------------
---Jones----Smalling-----Rojo------
Val----------------------------------------Ash
---------Herrera----------Matic---------
Lingard---------Rash---------Tony11

We don't spend 75-90m on a striker to leave him out of our biggest games.

This is where Lukaku needs to prove he is top level and can hack leading the line for United!

 

[Brightonian]

We don't spend 75-90m on a striker to leave him out of our biggest games.

This. Plus goals or not he's been integral to recent good performances and results, why on earth would we leave him out and thus leave a big hole in our attacking strategy?

 

[Bastian]

I predict a bit of a strange line-up

--------------de Gea
Tony--Smalling---Rojo--Ashley
-------------Herrea--Matic
-----Lingard
-----------------Zlatan--Martial
-----------Rom

 

[Tincanalley]

There is a job of work to be done here by fans too. Support the team especially if you are in the ground. Don't be reactive. Just support, support, support. Sing, clap, make a noise. Come out of there hoarse. It does make a difference. Make the ground into a hostile place for the watery blues.

 

[Oldham]

My first game this season and noticed Sam Platts is closed...
Some recommendation for a good pregame pub around the Quays, with chants and songs?

 

[Trizy]

Please forgive me footballing gods but.. Lingards running will be key to our attack Sunday.

 

[MemphisDepay]

I predict a bit of a strange line-up

--------------de Gea
Tony--Smalling---Rojo--Ashley
-------------Herrea--Matic
-----Lingard
-----------------Zlatan--Martial
-----------Rom

Would be extremely shocked if it wasn’t a back 3/5. Don’t see why we’d bother with it against CSKA for example if it wasn’t going to be used again. I know the team changed but it may have been used to help Herrera to integrate into it for example.

 

[Gerald G]

De Gea
Lindelof--Smalling--Rojo
Valencia--Matic--Herrera--Young
Lingard
Lukaku--Martial​

 

[Tincanalley]

De Gea
Lindelof--Smalling--Rojo
Valencia--Matic--Herrera--Young
Lingard
Lukaku--Martial​

I wondered if he might go with Felli rather than Herrera. Agree with you on Martial. Think Young and Lingard are undroppable at the mo, and I think Mata will be an effective sub at some point. Important to score first. Header from Mike?

 

[notcool]

Would be extremely shocked if it wasn’t a back 3/5. Don’t see why we’d bother with it against CSKA for example if it wasn’t going to be used again. I know the team changed but it may have been used to help Herrera to integrate into it for example.

Because they play with a back three maybe?

 

[Treble]

The crucual question: Herrera or Fellaini? Or both?

First, Jose won't change the formation that brought 4 PL wins in a row. We'll play with 3 CBs and Valencia and Young as wing-backs. Matic and Lukaku are certs to start. Lingard is in top form and will start too. This leaves two places.

First option: two midfielders and no Martial/Rashford.
Second option: one midfielder and one forward.

I think Jose wants to start aggressively as vs Arsenal. Hence, he will start with Martial (or Rashford but it is far less likely).

Thus, it will be Herrera or Fellaini. It is not clear whether Fellaini has fully recovered and can last 90 min. I think having Herrera is better defensively wise as he can press better than Fellaini and is quicker in midfied. Fellaini is a bit slow over short distances and won't be very useful vs Silva/KDB. At the same time, Fellaini would be more useful in attack: not only through set pieces but also by hoofing the ball to him and bypassing their pressing in midfield.

Maybe Fellaini will be used as an option in the second half. And Zlatan too if we are chasing the game.

 

[Lawman]

De Gea
Lindelof--Smalling--Rojo
Valencia--Matic--Herrera--Young
Lingard
Lukaku--Martial​

Think Fellaini will come in for Martial. But that teams spot on.

 

[2 man midfield]

It feels like there's been a weird role reversal from a few seasons ago. City have swapped all their massive beasts for technical midgets, and we've bought a load of big players ourselves. I never used to fancy us playing against them back then, but I think we can get a result on Sunday.

 

[Mcking]

This. My main concern is that, without Pogba, we're in danger of having our forwards too isolated. Someone needs to be that link.

We have Lingard this time, not the awful Mkhitaryan. We will be fine.

 

[2 man midfield]

If Lingard scores the winner he'll get my vote in the next OT statue thread. Totally different player in the middle.

 

[Member 90887]

I can't wait for this game, it's has never been as big as this between us and City, it's almost surpassing the game against Pool.

 

[Member 90887]

Against Arsenal, Pogba was almost playing like a forward, having herrera this time instead will solidify the team, i don't think that we can afford city the occasions we did against Arsenal.

It'll be a tight game hopefully.

 

[Mcking]

How about:

Degea
Lindelof Smalling Jones
Bailly Matic Mctominay Rojo
Fellaini
Zlatan Lukaku​

 

[2 man midfield]

------------De Gea-----------
----Smalling-Lindelof-Rojo---
Valencia-----------------Young
---------Matic--Fellaini--------
-------------Lingard-------------
---------Lukaku-Rashford------

 

[P-Nut]

Don't know why people are expecting Martial not to start this one.

He was rested for most of the game Thursday and so will play Sunday.

Can't see much changing from the Arsenal game to be honest.

Mou will try and keep it right and bring Fellaini and Ibra on late to try and grab a goal from a set piece. A draw isn't disastrous and sneaking a late win would be perfect.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

I was whining before the watford and arsenal games.. i was proved completely wrong. Should I do the same this time as well? :P

 

[Womp]

I was whining before the watford and arsenal games.. i was proved completely wrong. Should I do the same this time as well? :P

This time you might have an excuse to, going into probably the most important game of the season with our best player and best defenders being out and our second best midfielder basically playing with an injury.

I'm trying so hard to be confident but I don't see us getting anything from this game. We'd need a miracle tactical masterclass from Mourinho and the players to all be at the top of their game.

 

[VanGaalEra]

Snow coming to Manchester this weekend, lets postpone until Pog is back

 

[Kapardin]

I assume Fellaini-Matic will be our midfield if Fellaini is fit. We will know for sure in the presser.

Just hope Fellaini is in one of his purple patches. Then we won't be too shabby and probably stand a chance to nick this.

 

[Red_Beans]

Lingard to score the winner. Put money on it

 

[paulscholes18]

DDG
Lindelof Smalling Rojo
Valencia Matic Herrera Young
Lingard
Lukaku Martial

 

[VP89]

Matic to score his first for the club in this one. Had a dream about it.

 

[dmode]

We should obviously build around Lingard/Martial, they are doing well.

My prediction 3-1, solid match on our side.

 

[Treble]

Matic to score his first for the club in this one. Had a dream about it.

Good shout.

 

[Cee90]

Can't wait for this game.

For some reason I am feeling more positive about this game compared to last week.

Martial to be our hero on the day.

2-1 / 3-2 United.

 

[Ole90+3]

Pogba missing, blessing in disguise anyone?

In all seriousness Pogba has been rubbish in these big games at Old Trafford; usually due to trying too much. Hopefully we can be efficient at hitting City on the break; whether it be from quick intricate passing or a long ball up to Lukaku.

Starting to get those Friday morning nerves.

 

[Shark]

Where is all of this ''blessing in disguise'' shit coming from in relation to Pogba being out? am I missing something?

 

[breakout67]

Where is all of this ''blessing in disguise'' shit coming from in relation to Pogba being out? am I missing something?

He's the elephant in the room

 

[RUUD_10_LEGEND]

Snow coming to Manchester this weekend, lets postpone until Pog is back

This is becoming a real threat looking at the forecasts. Didn't a Manchester Derby suffer the same fate just a few years ago?

 

[charlenefan]

I'll say it again it would be suicide to play a back 3 against City

 

[Florida Man]

I'll say it again it would be suicide to play a back 3 against City

Not that I necessarily disagree but why do you think so?

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

Snow coming to Manchester this weekend, lets postpone until Pog is back

Chelsea did this to us some years ago. They were in garbage form going in to that game and we were due to play them at Stamford Bridge in the midst of it in December time. It got postponed for many weeks due to the ice around the ground. We didn't play that fixture until March, I'm sure it was. I think they beat us too. David Luiz scored, who they signed in January. He wouldn't have been playing for them in December. FIX!

If the snow's not heavy enough, a fake bomb in the bogs will do it.