"Its already over", "Congratulations City" - Manchester United fans unhappy with duo's inclusion in XI for Manchester City clash

By Deepungsu Pandit

Modified Apr 06, 2025 15:08 GMT

Manchester United fans were unimpressed by the team selection for the Manchester Derby

Manchester United fans have lamented the inclusion of two players in the starting XI for the Premier League game against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, April 6. The Red Devils arrive at the game on the back of the disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest.

Ruben Amorim's team are 14th in the Premier League table and have blown hot and cold under the Portuguese head coach. Manchester United have now lost 13 of their 30 games in the league this season.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have also struggled this season and are fifth in the league table. When the Red Devils announced the team for Sunday's game, it was observed that both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte had been included in the starting XI.

Manchester United fans were unimpressed by the decision and took to social media to express their views. One insisted that the game was already over before it began, commenting:

Another suggested that a Ugarte-Casemiro midfield is the stuff of nightmares, posting:

The Cityzens arrive at the game on a run of two defeats in their last five games.

Have Manchester United defeated Manchester City earlier this season?

Manchester United have already faced Manchester City earlier this season at the Etihad in December in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford in November last year as Erik ten Hag's replacement.

Within a month of his arrival, the Portuguese head coach was in the dugout for his first Manchester Derby. Interestingly, Amorim had previously defeated the Cityzens earlier this season with Sporting in the Champions League.

However, it was Manchester City who took the lead at home in December through Josko Gvardiol in the 36th minute. When it looked like Manchester United would succumb to their third league defeat on the trot, Bruno Fernandes popped up with the equalizer in the 88th minute.

Two minutes later, Amad Diallo scored the winner, marking a fruitful night for Amorim. Unfortunately, the Ivorian is sidelined with an injury and won't be available for this weekend's match. Interestingly, the game will also mark Kevin De Bruyne's final appearance in the Manchester Derby as he is leaving City this summer.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written over 8500 articles for the website, and has garnered over 19.5Million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

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