It’s no secret that Manchester United is already at a critical point in the season. A loss to Brighton already set United behind the pack and a second loss in three games to start the season would be devastating.
Marcus Rashford has yet to find his form, and Alejandro Garnacho has been effective off the bench in three competitive matches. Joshua Zirkzee received more playing time against Brighton after the Bruno Fernandes/Mason Mount false nine trial failed to produce goalscoring chances again. Amad Diallo bagged his first goal of the season last weekend in the loss.
In the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has been effective and may be paired next to newcomer Manuel Ugarte for the first time this weekend. While Bruno has struggled early on, he will surely start as the attacking midfielder. United’s “Portuguese Magnifico” has never shied away from the big moments.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been a major bright spot for the Reds to start the season. Both players have been defensively strong and have supported the attack well. Harry Maguire’s mistake led to Brighton taking the lead in the 2-1 defeat. Erik Ten Hag may take this into account this weekend, with Matthijs De Ligt ready to step in to start. Lisandro Martinez will no doubt be ready to go in this massive derby.
With all this in mind, here is how the Reds should start in the North-West Derby.
Attack: Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo
Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes
Defense: Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs De Ligt, Diogo Dalot
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
United Beyond Manchester 
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