Centre midfield: Nemanja Matic
Paul Pogba’s absence would have looked a lot worse if Jose Mourinho didn’t land the former Chelsea midfielder in the Summer. He’s integrated well into the Manchester United setup, making the midfield his own when Paul Pogba hasn’t been there.
The Serbian midfielder isn’t the type of player to produce quality moments each match, he’s more of a cult hero in the sense of just getting things done. He isn’t afraid to do the ‘dirty work’, which is essential to have in any team. With that being said, he has to have a place in this Manchester United v Manchester City combined XI.
He’ll be coming up against some top quality in Kevin de Bruyne, but it’s nothing he’s not used to, given his clashes with the Belgian in his Chelsea days. Don’t expect to Nemanja Matic to come out of the match with a hat-trick to his name, or a whole bundle of assists, but just look out for him in the one on one duels, because he’ll be looking to control the midfield.