Attack
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is quite an enigma, which even feels an odd sentence to write.
The England international striker seems to have underwhelmed at stages this season, but at the same time has more Premier League assists than anyone in either Manchester United or City squads, and a more than respectable 12 goals from 17 league starts.
Always a danger, and with impressive work rate, Rooney deserves his starting berth.
Close to making the grade was Danny Welbeck, whose positional discipline and constant threat has seen him selected ahead of Rooney for some of Manchester United’s toughest games this season – such as against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. His less impressive goal tally sees him miss out.
Carlos Tevez
The only player in this side to have played for both clubs, Carlos Tevez has scored wherever he has been employed.
The Argentina international has a similarly dogged work rate to Wayne Rooney, and his finishing from both inside the box and from range is the envy of many of the world’s strikers.
Sergio Aguero misses out having failed to match the heights of his debut campaign in Manchester.
Robin Van Persie
The obvious choice to lead the attacking line, Robin Van Persie is the second highest leading goalscorer in the Premier League behind Luis Suarez.
Besides a recent goal drought for the Red Devils, the Dutchman has been the difference so often this season – not least in the reverse fixture of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, when his last minute free kick was deflected in by Samir Nasri.
Edin Dzeko’s twelve goals – many of which are from the bench – mean he pushed Van Persie close in the race for selection.
Full team
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