4-3-3 Lineup: Manchester United vs Manchester City as Cristiano Ronaldo drops his promise

The Dutchman was able to pick from a large pool of players for the trip to Moldova, even though he had to leave some players behind because of injury complaints. Marcus Rashford, who has scored three goals in the league so far this term, missed out because of a muscle problem, and the likes of Luke Shaw, Donny van de Beek, and Anthony Martial were also unavailable.

With that in mind, the international break may have come at a good time for United, allowing them to try and recover some of their injured players ahead of what is set to be a relentless period. With that said, MEN Sport has taken a close look at United’s strongest available line-up if everyone is fit and available for selection.

David de Gea is the goalkeeper.

The Spaniard has started all eight of United’s games this season in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as Ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper. Since a poor performance in a 4-0 thrashing at Brentford last month, he has kept three clean sheets in his last six games, conceding only three goals.

Defence – Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia

The back-four, in current form, picks itself. Since the aforementioned quartet started together for the first time in the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has not looked back.

Varane has established himself as United’s leader at the back, helping both Martinez and Malacia adapt to life in the Premier League. Dalot, too, has also improved in recent weeks, becoming key in Ten Hag’s way of playing.

Midfield – Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes

Although Scott McTominay has kept Casemiro out of the side, for now, there is a general perception that the Brazilian, eventually, will force his way into Ten Hag’s preferred line-up and dislodge the Scotland international. The 30-year-old has started just once since signing from Real Madrid last month, that being in the Europa League against Real Sociedad.

Ahead of him, Eriksen and Fernandes have nailed down their places in midfield, both producing excellent performances in recent weeks. Eriksen has become undroppable.

Attack – Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho

Cristiano Ronaldo is the elephant in the room here. Does Ten Hag start him or not? He got his first goal of the season against Sheriff, filling in for Rashford, but you would expect the latter to reclaim his place if back fit for the clash with City.