Central issue vital for United

SELECTION ISSUES INTO MIDFIELD MAKE-UP

-  RICHARD FAY

IT already feels rather inevitable how the Manchester derby will play out tomorrow afternoon. City will dictate possession, looking to probe their opponents, while United will sit back and do their damage on the break.

The better question is perhaps how long Erik ten Hag's side will be able to withstand the inevitable onslaught, given that their chances of winning the match will most likely rely on taking what few chances they have.

There only feels like a slim chance of a perfect storm in which United are at their best and City are having an off day, meaning the most sensible strategy would be for United to play to their strengths as a counter-attacking team.

Ten Hag's long-term vision is for United to be able to match their most fierce rivals and beat them at their own game, but it would be reckless to adopt such an approach this weekend while they remain a work in progress and are playing against such strong opposition.