TheSportsRush brings Leaked United XI vs City, as Mourinho and Guardiola lock horns for the first time this season.
After reports from English outlet Daily Mail that Mourinho would probe an investigation within the club over leaked line-up before the game against Chelsea, the manager might be in for another setback.
Manchester United’s alleged starting XI for the game against Man City has been leaked online. The source for the XI is Manchester Evening News (M.E.N)
According to the English outlet, the Portuguese manager was furious to see his line up on social media after he woke up on match-day for the game against Chelsea.
Bar the one against Everton two weeks ago, M.E.N’s leaked lineups have been true. And if it remains the same for the clash against Man City, it is indeed a trouble for the Manchester United manager.
Manchester United XI leaked:
There were reports before the game that Paul Pogba has suffered a knock, and the midfielder didn’t take part in the penultimate training session before the game.
If the leaked XI is to be believed, the reports are indeed true and Paul Pogba has not been included. It is unknown, however, whether Pogba has made the bench.
Romelu Lukaku continues to remain on the sidelines, even after Mourinho stated in the press conference before the game that Lukaku has achieved match fitness.
Alexis Sanchez leads the line, while Jesse Lingard and in-form forward Anthony Martial complete the front three. In the absence of Pogba, Marouane Fellaini is set to start for United, and the Belgian will be complemented by Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic in the midfield.
While Smalling and Lindelof continue to be the two central defenders, Shaw and Young occupy the flanks, with David De Gea on the goal.
Here is the lineup: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Matic, Herrera, Fellaini; Lingard, Martial, Sanchez
What next?
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho fields the same XI once the team sheets come out, which should be in two hours.
The game holds significance for United as Mourinho’s side is 9 points behind the league leaders.
