United will be without two key players
Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba have been omitted from the Manchester United starting XI for their derby clash against Manchester City this afternoon, according to reports.
Lukaku has been dropped by José Mourinho in recent weeks, with Alexis Sánchez stepping into a central role up top, and it looks as if Lukaku will start from the bench this afternoon.
Paul Pogba, meanwhile, did not arrive with the squad at the Lowry hotel and looks set to miss out completely.
Hearing no Pogba or Lukaku in United’s starting XI
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) November 11, 2018
Pogba was not with the squad at the Lowry hotel. Lukaku was #mulive [men]
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 10, 2018
Mourinho may leave it until the wire to make a decision on Pogba, and there have been suggestions that Mourinho has intentionally kept Pogba separate from the rest of the squad in an attempt to confuse Man City.
If he plays no part, it is likely that United will field a midfield trio of Nemanja Maticć, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini.
Herrera made a positive impact of the bench against Bournemouth last weekend and performed well against Juventus in the Champions League, and Mourinho has used him in big games in the past.
Fellaini also had a hugely positive impact off the bench against Juventus, causing chaos that led to United’s late winner.
