Does Rangnick relocate Pogba?
Paul Pogba left his calling card at the Etihad nearly four years ago but was not in the squad in United's three wins there under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Pogba's relevance in the United side is still the subject of debate and the derby has the makings of a Scott McTominay-Fred axis.
Yet Pogba was one of United's better performers in February and, when at his optimum, he is still their best player. Ralf Rangnick has to accommodate him against City but Pogba in midfield might be too loose.
Pogba enjoyed his best football last year from the left and, harsh though it would be on Anthony Elanga, a four-pronged attack of Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and potential absentee Cristiano Ronaldo, with a secure base, is the most balanced front six.
READ MORE: United are where Woodward never expected them to be again with City
Game-changers?
If Rangnick does not accommodate Pogba in the XI then he has a proven game-changer to turn to on the bench. United could have four attack-minded options to call upon and, assuming Nemanja Matic is a substitute again with Scott McTominay back, a calming influence to bring into midfield. Rangnick's substitute selections could be as important as his starting selections.
Full-back dilemma
Diogo Dalot's sudden withdrawal from the United side has been as unexpected as an accurate cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Dalot may have to bide his time for another week as Wan-Bissaka started in the three wins at City under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and triumphed in his duels with Raheem Sterling.
Alex Telles merited his start at the expense of the dropped Luke Shaw against Watford but failed to take it. Neither left-back appears to possess the required mentality but one has to start today.
Back three temptation?
Three centre-halves underpinned two of United's three wins over City under Solskjaer and he reverted to the formation again in November. In the wake of that 2-0 surrender, Solskjaer conceded the formation was a consequence of United's shortcomings and he would rather have played more adventurously. He was sacked 15 days later.
Rangnick has hitherto eschewed a starting back three, tough question marks over Raphael Varane's involvement could scupper any plans.
Four in a row?
United have not won four consecutive derbies at City since 2000 and those triumphs at Maine Road were spread across seven years. City were relegated in 1996 and then went down to the third tier in 1998, consigning them to a four-year exile from the Premier League.
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