Manchester City vs Manchester United: 5 key battles to watch | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Jadon Sancho vs Kyle Walker

Atletico Madrid v Manchester United: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League

One of the main reasons why Manchester United could pose a threat to Manchester City is the improvement Jadon Sancho has shown. The 21-year-old looks to have settled down in Manchester, whipping out his tricks and finding joy in finessing defenders with his silky feet.

Sancho is also a mature presence inside the final third and has the composure to slow things down and make the right pass. He will be up against Kyle Walker, who hasn't had as good a season as most of his teammates. Walker has pace to burn but he will be viewed as the weak link in the City defence.

Walker will need to deal with Sancho and Shaw's combination play as well. Manchester United can cause a lot of damage when they break on the counter and Walker will need to be on high-alert on Sunday.

#2 Kevin De Bruyne vs Scott McTominay

Sporting CP v Manchester City: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League

Kevin De Bruyne will be Manchester City's creator-in-chief. He has been in good touch and has scored two goals and provided six assists in his last 10 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side.

If he is afforded the freedom of midfield, De Bruyne can single-handedly destroy Manchester United. Scott McTominay's main job will be to keep De Bruyne from getting into key positions inside their half.

The Scottish international is a workhorse but his positional discipline is suspect at times. McTominay will need to put his nose to the grindstone because he is not going to get much help from Paul Pogba during defensive transitions. This will definitely be a key battle that could determine the outcome of the game.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo vs John Stones

Atletico Madrid v Manchester United: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League

Ruben Dias has been sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury in what's a big blow for Manchester City. John Stones will take his place at the heart of defence alongside Aymeric Laporte.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just one goal in his last 10 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United. Here's a man who's desperate to score goals and we know what he's capable of on his day. His goal against Brighton & Hove Albion was a case in point.

Stones will need to be wary of his movements as Bruno Fernandes has picked Ronaldo out meticulously multiple times in recent weeks. Ronaldo's finishing has let him down of late but that won't always be the case.