Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay were classed by some as the dead wood that needed chopping from the Manchester United squad last season.
The duo had rotten campaigns, producing little fruit from their tiresome labour. But after three months of Erik ten Hag’s nurturing attention, the pair have regrown in confidence and stature.
As a result, it has been hard to argue a case for either to be axed from the starting line-up. And there are three good reasons why both should start Sunday’s Manchester derby.
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Rashford netted three goals in four matches prior to his recent injury; the winner against Liverpool and a double versus Arsenal. Meanwhile, McTominay has been the most sturdy he has ever been throughout his United career.
The Scot has come into his own alongside Christian Eriksen, becoming the pivot for the Dane’s magician-like forward play. Form suggests it would be unwise to disrupt the momentum both have gained in recent matches.
There’s another factor that comes into play ahead of a derby too. Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro may be serial winners but it is ingrained into academy graduates McTominay and Rashford how much a result against the noisy neighbours means to the fanbase.
Growing up in the fabric of the club means a result matters to them personally as well. That passion prompted both to raise their game in the win over Liverpool and the same applies against Manchester City.
Undoubtedly Ronaldo, Casemiro and others in the team understand the gravitas of the fixture but academy products always have that added one per cent extra edge in such clashes.
Finally, both suit Ten Hag’s style of play against City. A number of goals in the triumphs over Liverpool and Arsenal came as a result of counter-attacking play.
Pep Guardiola’s side are renowned for holding onto possession for long periods and draining the opposition. United have proved already they can withstand long periods without the ball before launching a counter offensive.
All of Rashford’s goals have come on the break this season and his pace could prove deadly against the likes of Manuel Akanji and even Ruben Dias, especially if Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are left high up the pitch.
Add Jadon Sancho and Antony into the picture and Ten Hag may find some joy against the champions. The task for McTominay will be to plug the gap, which has done repeatedly this season when Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are behind him.
His height will be useful during set-plays against the lofty Erling Haaland, too, McTominay standing at 6ft 4in - three inches taller than Casemiro. Rashford and McTominay’s form has been viable, their drive for the club this season undeniable, and their style of play, tenable - all reasons why the pair should be selected on Sunday.
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