United’s 2017 preseason is off to a great start with the Red Devils winning each of their first two matches. United followed their 5-2 demolition of LA Galaxy last weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in Utah on Monday. New signing Romelu Lukaku starred for the Red Devils in that contest, scoring his first goal for the club with a cool finish in the 38th minute. Some key players, however, took knocks in that said clash and are now doubtful for Thursday’s Manchester derby. Juan Mata sustained a minor ankle injury in the win over Real Salt Lake while Matteo Darmian limped off after finding himself on the wrong end of a nasty collision.
Manager Jose Mourinho has already hinted that he will test out the strike partnership between Lukaku and teen phenom Marcus Rashford in this matchup. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho will accommodate two of United’s best strikers in the lineup. Will he use his preferred 4-3-3 formation tonight or the much-radical 3-5-2 setup? City has shored up their defense this past offseason so United’s attack will be definitely tested tonight.
Manchester City kick-start their tour of the United States with a clash with arch-rivals Manchester United. Thursday’s much-anticipated showdown will be the first time that the two Manchester outfits will lock horns outside of the United Kingdom. City fans, in particular, will be raring to see new high-profile signings Kyle Walker and Ederson strut their wares for Pep Guardiola’s side. City made Walker the world’s most expensive defender after agreeing a blockbuster deal with Tottenham Hotspur that could well exceed £50 million. Ederson, on the other hand, was signed from Benfica for a British record fee for a goalkeeper.
Fans will have to wait a little longer, though, for the debut of Bernardo Silva. The 22-year-old, who joined City from Monaco, has been given some extra time off following his involvement in the Confederations Cup with Portugal. Expected to lead City’s attack in this derby is Gabriel Jesus. The 20-year-old Brazilian will relish the chance to have a full preseason at the club having had his maiden campaign for the Citizens frustratingly disrupted by injury.
