Confirmed XI: Amorim Picks His Team to Face City at Old Trafford! Højlund or Zirkzee to Lead the Line? Fernandes & Garnacho to Both Start? Ugarte to Keep His Place?
The Manchester derby is always a fixture filled with anticipation and excitement, and the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025, was no different. With both teams vying for crucial points in the race for the top spots, manager Rúben Amorim had some big decisions to make ahead of this high-stakes encounter. As the teams lined up and the confirmed starting XI was announced, there were several intriguing questions surrounding his selections: would Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee get the nod to lead the line? Would Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho both start in attacking roles? And would Manuel Ugarte maintain his place in the midfield?
Let’s take a closer look at the confirmed starting XI for Manchester United and how Amorim approached this Manchester derby.
Confirmed Starting XI for Manchester United:
Formation: 4-3-3
Amorim set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining defensive stability while allowing his attacking players the freedom to press forward. It was clear that the team would rely heavily on pace, dynamic attacking play, and a solid midfield trio to disrupt Manchester City’s rhythm.
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Andre Onana continued in goal, having established himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and strong distribution, Onana’s role is crucial in Amorim’s system, where playing out from the back is a key part of United’s build-up play.
Right-back: Victor Lindelöf
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka unavailable due to injury, Victor Lindelöf started at right-back. Lindelöf, who has primarily been used as a center-back, brought a more composed and tactical approach to the right side of defense. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions would be essential in preventing City’s wide attackers from having an impact.
Center-backs: Harry Maguire & Jonny Evans
The central defensive pairing for United saw Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans taking the starting spots. Maguire, known for his aerial ability, and Evans, with his experience in big matches, provided a solid backbone for the defense. Both players were tasked with containing City’s potent attacking threats, particularly Erling Haaland, who has a reputation for making life difficult for defenders.
Left-back: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw remained in his familiar left-back role, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support down the left flank. Shaw’s ability to overlap with Garnacho and contribute to offensive plays would be key for United to stretch City’s defense.
Midfield: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Christian Eriksen
In the midfield, Amorim opted for a combination of defensive solidity and creativity. Casemiro, who has been a key figure in United’s midfield this season, played the holding role, offering protection to the back four and breaking up City’s attacks. Alongside him was Manuel Ugarte, who has earned his place in the starting XI with his relentless energy, ball-winning ability, and work rate. Ugarte has quickly adapted to the Premier League and provides a dynamic presence in the middle of the park. Rounding out the midfield was Christian Eriksen, who was given the freedom to push forward and link play between the midfield and attack. Eriksen’s vision and creativity would be crucial for United to unlock City’s defense.
Right-wing: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes was once again deployed as an attacking midfielder, but Amorim gave him the freedom to drift wide when needed, especially on the right side of the pitch. Fernandes has been in excellent form this season, contributing with goals, assists, and a level of creativity that has been central to United’s offensive play. His passing range and ability to pick out runners will be key in transition moments.
Left-wing: Alejandro Garnacho
On the left wing, Amorim opted for Alejandro Garnacho, a player who has impressed with his pace and dribbling ability. Garnacho’s directness and flair provide United with a potent attacking option. His ability to stretch the opposition and create chances will be critical in United’s quest to break down City’s defense.
Striker: Rasmus Højlund
The key question leading up to the match was whether Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee would lead the line. In the end, Amorim decided to start Højlund as the central striker. The young Danish forward has been a revelation for United this season, impressing with his speed, finishing ability, and intelligent runs off the ball. While Zirkzee offers a different style of play, Højlund’s dynamism and goal-scoring potential made him the natural choice to spearhead United’s attack.
The Tactical Approach:
Amorim’s starting XI reflected a balanced approach, with defensive stability and a solid midfield presence allowing for counter-attacks and quick transitions. Against a high-possession side like Manchester City, it was clear that United would need to be compact defensively and then look to hit on the break, using the pace of Garnacho and Fernandes to exploit spaces in behind.
The midfield trio of Casemiro, Ugarte, and Eriksen was designed to disrupt City’s passing rhythm and offer support to the forwards when transitioning from defense to attack. Casemiro would be tasked with providing protection for the back four and limiting the influence of City’s creative players, while Ugarte’s energy would ensure that United maintained a high press when out of possession. Eriksen’s technical abilities would also help in switching the play and linking up with the attack.
The attacking trio of Fernandes, Garnacho, and Højlund was set up to stretch City’s defense. Fernandes would look to drift into space on the right, creating overloads and providing service to the striker, while Garnacho would be a constant threat on the left with his dribbling and pace. Højlund’s role as the focal point of the attack meant that he would be responsible for holding up the ball, making runs in behind, and converting chances.
Højlund vs Zirkzee – Amorim’s Striker Decision:
One of the most intriguing elements of Amorim’s lineup was his choice to start Rasmus Højlund ahead of Joshua Zirkzee. Højlund, who has shown great promise since his arrival at Old Trafford, has been a constant threat in front of goal, and his mobility and work ethic make him a handful for any defense. His physical presence and ability to lead the line effectively suited the style of play United were likely to adopt against City.
Zirkzee, who has also impressed in limited appearances, offers a different style of play. The Dutch forward is more technical and composed in front of goal, but his movement off the ball and ability to link up play were not deemed as necessary in this particular encounter. By choosing Højlund, Amorim signaled his intention to deploy a more dynamic, direct attacking strategy, hoping that the forward’s pace would help United catch City on the counter.
Ugarte’s Continued Presence:
Manuel Ugarte’s continued inclusion in the starting lineup is a testament to his growing importance in United’s midfield. The Uruguayan has been a revelation since his arrival, impressing with his ability to disrupt opposition play and his tactical awareness. His inclusion for a match of this magnitude showed that Amorim trusts Ugarte to do the dirty work in midfield, providing the foundation for the more attacking players to flourish. Ugarte’s aggressive style and tireless running will be crucial in stopping City’s creative players from dictating the tempo of the match.
Conclusion:
The confirmed starting XI for Manchester United’s clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford showcased Amorim’s tactical nous and his ability to make key decisions for big matches. With Højlund leading the line, Fernandes and Garnacho offering pace and creativity, and Ugarte continuing his role as the engine in midfield, United were set up to be a formidable opponent for Guardiola’s City. How well United could execute their game plan, particularly in terms of pressing City and exploiting spaces on the counter-attack, would be crucia
l in determining the outcome of this high-profile derby.
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