Manchester United host derby rival Manchester City on Sunday. It will be the fourth Manchester Derby of the season after the two clubs met in the Premier League and Carabao Cup semifinals. There is still the chance a fifth derby could be played this season in the FA Cup.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has led Manchester United to two wins in three derby matches this term. The Red Devils shocked Manchester City in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad winning 2-1. Manchester United defeated Manchester City once again in the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg at the Etihad Stadium 1-0.
The manager is expected to have centre-back, Harry Maguire, in the squad for the fixture after he suffered an ankle injury in training. Maguire sat out Manchester United’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win against Derby County in midweek. According to Solskjaer, Maguire was set to play versus Derby County but the ankle injury he sustained in training prevented him from taking part.
Harry Maguire has played 44 games this season already. No Premier League player has played more. Could still play another 21 games….#MUFC pic.twitter.com/CwyI1hWnlg
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) March 4, 2020
Maguire’s addition to the squad for Sunday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford does not guarantee the Red Devils will secure a point. The away team has won each of the last the four matches between the Manchester clubs.
Solskjaer could be without a few players on Sunday with Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both doubts for the game. Neither player has trained this week and still being assessed. Wan-Bissaka has a lower back issue that is keeping him out of the squad.
Harry Maguire & Eric Bailly is comfortably our best CB pairing. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/vXhvZ3kci8
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) March 1, 2020
Paul Pogba remains sidelined due to a foot/ankle injury. The midfielder is working with physios in a bid to get fit before the end of the season. Striker Marcus Rashford is ruled out of the game with his own back injury. Rashford could be out for the rest of the season.
Harry Maguire’s importance to Manchester United
Maguire has appeared in 28 league matches for Manchester United with all coming from the start. He has tallied 2,550 minutes, one goal, and one assist, according to WhoScored.com.
Harry Maguire scored more goals [1] than he conceded [0] in February.#mufc's captain has been outstanding. pic.twitter.com/iFyIygD6hU
— ً (@utdrobbo) March 6, 2020
The centre-back has only received one yellow card in his 28 league appearances. Maguire averages 4.8 aerials won, 1.1 tackles, and 1.8 interceptions per game.
If Maguire cannot play or comes off early against the Cityzens, Solskjaer will most likely turn to either Phil Jones or Eric Bailly.
