Having blown away Tranmere 6-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Manchester United’s attentions now turn towards doing the unthinkable. Wednesday night sees them travel to the Etihad, looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Of course, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have already beaten their noisy neighbours in their own backyard this season, when they conquered them 2-1 in the Premier League back in early December. But United know that a similar result will not be able to get them through to the final of the cup.
The Red Devils need to show far greater attacking intent, and if they can manage to pull it off, they will be 90 minutes away from lifting their first trophy under Solskjaer.
Watch Manchester United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Below is a look at just how United should think about lining up on Wednesday.
Whilst David de Gea has been the number one choice in the Premier League, the Spaniard has made his fair share of mistakes this season – not least that particularly embarrassing howler against Watford. Sergio Romero kept another clean sheet on Sunday afternoon against Tranmere and should get the nod based on his recent form.
In defence, the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams should return to the starting line-up to replace Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw respectively. Despite getting on the score-sheet on Sunday, Phil Jones may make way to ensure Solskjaer returns to a more conventional back four against City.
Someone’s got to own them: Who do these incredibly unwanted PL records belong to?
Fred and Nemanja Matic should make up the deep-lying midfield two, with Daniel James and Mason Greenwood playing on the flanks. And having scored himself against Tranmere, Jesse Lingard may have done enough to convince Solskjaer that he is deserving of a starting spot. That will leave Anthony Martial to lead the line.
Meanwhile, Man Utd making a loan swoop for this Premier League flop would be a smart move.