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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross & David McDonnell & Kieran King

Man City and Man Utd combined XI as Bruno Fernandes snubbed and Luke Shaw included

Manchester City and Manchester United go head-to-head in the 190th Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon - but this could prove to be the biggest one yet.

City face United in the FA Cup final at Wembley as Erik ten Hag tries to win his second trophy since moving to Old Trafford last summer, having lifted the Carabao Cup back in February. They can also end City's Treble bid, with Pep Guardiola's men in the Champions League final next week after winning the Premier League.

In the build-up to the final, there has been some discussion about who would make it in a combined XI from City and United. With that in mind, three Mirror Football writers have had their say - and it is safe to say there are some differences between the two teams.

John Cross

Combined XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Silva, Grealish, Haaland

Cross said: "It's pretty brutal but I just can’t make a case for any United players getting in ahead of City. Rodri has been phenomenal and has had a better season than Casemiro. Bernardo and Grealish are untouchable and United's other strong contender - Marcus Rashford - doesn't quite make it.

"I realise what this means… I'm tempting fate and United are nailed on to win now! But City are so much better than the rest and I fancy them for the Treble."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (Getty Images)

David McDonnell

Combined XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Shaw; Rodri; De Bruyne, Casemiro; Rashford, Haaland, Grealish

McDonnell said: "There is an argument for selecting City's first-choice XI in a combined Manchester line-up, such is their overwhelming superiority over United. But three United players make it into my combined XI - Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

"Shaw is the best left-back from the two sides, Casmeiro's enduring class in midfield and goal threat mean he's in, while Rashford's 30 goals this season mean he can't be left out.

"The other eight places belong to City, with honourable mentions for City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, who just missed out, and United's Bruno Fernandes."

Bruno Fernandes has been a key member of the Manchester United side this season (Getty Images)

Kieran King

Combined XI: De Gea; Walker, Stones, Dias, Shaw; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Silva, Haaland, Rashford

King said: "There may be a few eyebrows raised at the goalkeeper selection, but, for me, Ederson has had a poor season and David de Gea has impressed at times. Yes, he makes the odd mistake, but winning the Golden Glove and making some excellent saves, he deserves that spot.

"But just two further Utd players make the XI. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have both been included after excellent campaigns, with the latter scoring 30 goals in 55 appearances. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are unlucky to miss out, but City have been far too good in midfield.

"Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri have been phenomenal this season. Jack Grealish is the only City player that is unfortunate to miss out after an improved campaign. But Rashford's contribution in front of goal sees him nip ahead at left-wing."

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