Even though he was an injury doubt ahead, it was no surprise that Anthony Martial led the line for Manchester United in the Manchester derby.
After all, Erik ten Hag has repeatedly championed the Frenchman since his arrival at Old Trafford. And it was Martial who bagged a brace in the first derby showdown of the season when United were on the wrong end of a 6-3 thrashing at the Etihad back in October.
But given Martial's chequered fitness record, including the striker from the start was always a gamble: and it's one that almost backfired spectacularly on Manchester United.