Manchester United players have dominated the supporters' combined starting line-up ahead of today's derby.
United find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League table going into the clash, having bounced back from a poor start to the season which saw them lose their opening two matches. Before the international break, Erik ten Hag's team won four on the trot in the Premier League to rise to just outside the Champions League places.
City meanwhile have picked up just where they left off in the last campaign. Pep Guardiola's men have yet to taste defeat in the top flight of Champions League so far this season.
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Despite their great start, only three of their players have made it into the combined XI chosen by Manchester Evening News readers. Here is who has made the cut.
Goalkeeper - David de Gea
Question marks have remained around David de Gea's long term future at Old Trafford. With his contract running out at the end of the season and the horror show at Brentford still fresh in the memory, some have doubted whether he has a future under Erik ten Hag.
However, he is still preferred to Ederson in goal for this combined line-up. The Brazilian goalkeeper may feel slightly hard done by considering he has kept four clean sheets in seven Premier League matches this season.
Defenders - Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia
Since the changes made by Ten Hag following the nightmare in the capital, United's back line has looked impenetrable. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane's partnership has looked rock solid while Tyrell Malacia has been a revelation at left-back.
Defence may have been the trickiest area of the pitch to choose which players deserve to be in this combined XI. Ruben Dias is a seriously impressive centre-back, while Manuel Akanji has also been good since arriving from Borussia Dortmund. Joao Cancelo's work at left-back has also been phenomenal and is a big factor in how the Blues play.
Midfielders - Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Eriksen, Bernardo Silva
City's first additions to this team come in midfield as assist king Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva make the cut. De Bruyne's partnership with his new Norwegian striker has been electric this season while Guardiola's Portuguese ace has impressed following doubts about his future in the summer.
Christian Eriksen rounds off the midfield three making this a very attacking combined XI. The Dane has pulled the strings for Ten Hag's side this season and has impressed many with his contributions for United.
The man who will feel most aggrieved to be missing is Rodri. The Spaniard has been a anchor for City this season and would surely benefit this combined team.
Forwards - Antony, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho
Probably the first name on this teamsheet would be Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has been sensational since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland already has 14 goals to his name and looks unstoppable. Jadon Sancho also gets the nod after being one of the players to turn a corner under Ten Hag.
Surprisingly considering the few matches he has played, Antony is also chosen to make this team. Notable omissions from the forward line include Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.
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