Manchester United vs Manchester City - Combined XI | Premier League 2021-22

Defensive Midfielder: Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri is City's anchorman.

Rodri, too, didn't hit the ground running at Manchester City. But after taking over the reins from the veteran Fernandinho, he has been unstoppable. Rodri has been a force to be reckoned with in midfield and a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's juggernaut.

He's excellent in ball retention, and reads the game brilliantly, averaging over two tackles per game in the league this season. Considering the same, Rodri easily keeps out the Manchester United duo of Scott McTominay and Fred.

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Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fernandes has created five big chances for United in the league this season.

If it weren't for Cristiano Ronaldo's heroics, Fernandes would've been hailed as United's outright best player of the season thus far. The younger Portuguese has been the creative inspiration for United, carrying them on his back at times.

Since his move to United in January 2020, the irrepressible Portuguese has contributed 77 goals (44 scored, 33 assisted) in 95 games. That includes 12 in the current campaign. He has also averaged almost four key passes per game.

His attacking partnership with Ronaldo is blooming into one of Europe's best right now. Fernandes has assisted Ronaldo four times already this season, including once each in the last two games across competitions.

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Attacking Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Injuries have ravaged the Belgian's season thus far.

Sure, Kevin De Bruyne isn't in the best form right now. But given his match-winning skills and playmaking brilliance, it would be blasphemous to leave him out for anyone else.

Since he joined City, no player has created more chances or laid more assists in the Premier League than the Belgian wizard. De Bruyne's ability to conjure something special in big games warrants him a place here.